Alton, MO vs Memphis, MO

Memphis is moderately more affordable than Alton, with a 5.5% lower cost of living index. Alton scores 60 compared to 57 for Memphis, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Alton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $594/month compared to $491/month in Memphis — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Memphis has cheaper rent, Alton actually has lower median home values ($117,100 vs $117,200).

Median household income in Alton is $47,606 compared to $49,598 in Memphis (-4%). Memphis offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, more than the 11.9% in Memphis.