Alton, IL vs Palatine, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Palatine, IL is dramatic. Alton is 35.6% cheaper than Palatine, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Palatine sits at 109, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,467/month in Palatine — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $347,900.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $95,950 in Palatine (-44.8%). While Palatine is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Palatine.