Cost of Living in Alton, IL

An Overview of Cost of Living in Alton, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Alton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Alton stands at 83, making it 17% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Alton distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 44.4% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Alton can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Alton Affordable?

Is Alton an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Alton is 56.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 16.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Alton has a median household income of $43,291, which is 21.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Alton?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Alton, the groceries index registers 3.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Alton, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Alton displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.