East Alton, IL vs Fairview Heights, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. East Alton is 19.8% cheaper than Fairview Heights. With a cost index of 66 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from East Alton to Fairview Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Alton is $819/month compared to $1,177/month in Fairview Heights — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: East Alton is more affordable at $99,600 median vs $166,800.

Median household income in East Alton is $46,926 compared to $77,960 in Fairview Heights (-39.8%). While Fairview Heights is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Alton spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Fairview Heights.