Cost of Living in Alton, IA

With a cost of living index of 71, Alton, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 29% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Iowa state average. Alton is a small community of 1,350 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Alton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $750 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $204,600 (33% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Alton is $86,136, which is 15% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.