Alton, MO vs Barnard, MO

The cost of living difference between Alton, MO and Barnard, MO is dramatic. Barnard is 30.2% cheaper than Alton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 60 while Barnard sits at 46, 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 $594/month compared to $327/month in Barnard — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barnard is more affordable at $63,600 median vs $117,100.

Median household income in Alton is $47,606 compared to $24,457 in Barnard (+94.7%). While Alton 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 15% of their income on rent, less than the 16% in Barnard.