Cahokia Heights, IL vs East Alton, IL

Cahokia Heights, IL and East Alton, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.7% difference in their overall index. Cahokia Heights scores 67 while East Alton scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cahokia Heights is $959/month compared to $819/month in East Alton — a 17% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while East Alton has cheaper rent, Cahokia Heights actually has lower median home values ($56,900 vs $99,600).

Median household income in Cahokia Heights is $37,975 compared to $46,926 in East Alton (-19.1%). East Alton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Cahokia Heights spend roughly 30.3% of their income on rent, more than the 20.9% in East Alton. The East Alton ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.