2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Alton, IL vs Gulf Shores, AL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Gulf Shores or is it cheaper to live in Alton?
- Gulf Shores is 14.5% more expensive than Alton.

Which city has more affordable housing, Gulf Shores or Alton?
- Gulf Shores housing costs are 409.6% more expensive than Alton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Alton or is Health Care more affordable in Gulf Shores.
- Health related expenses are 22.4% more in Gulf Shores.
 Alton, ILGulf Shores, ALUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.5100
 Food & Groceries92.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.5100
 Housing22.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$439,200$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.9100
 Miscellaneous133.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Alton    7 Reviews

My wife, daughter, and I moved here from Phoenix Metro March 2022 and have been very happy with our move. The people have been great, having four seasons is great, and  More

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Over 2 years ago

Not sure why such low reviews. I moved here from St. Louis. Crime in Alton is NOTHING compared to that. Maybe 1 or 2 homicides a year and those are generally people  More

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Over 10 years ago

Unfortunately, Alton has become a run down, poverty stricken area. Jobs are very limited and do not pay well. Unless you plan on commuting to St. Louis for work, you  More

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Reviews for Gulf Shores    6 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Owned a place there for 20 years and spend a few weeks each season there. Heading back in a few weeks! Lows: Spotty internet for work. Saturday traffic. Hurricanes.  More

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I know that there are a few people out there that would just as soon throw rotten tomatoes at me for saying what I’m about to say, but I hate, hate, HATE living in Gulf  More

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Over 14 years ago

Gulf Shores offers many sunny days, compared to the rest of Baldwin County.  More

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