2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Alton, IL vs Madison, WI

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Madison or is it cheaper to live in Alton?
- Madison is 25.3% more expensive than Alton.

Which city has more affordable housing, Madison or Alton?
- Madison housing costs are 394.3% more expensive than Alton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Alton or is Health Care more affordable in Madison.
- Health related expenses are 1.6% less in Madison.
 Alton, ILMadison, WIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock103.4100
 Food & Groceries92.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.9100
 Housing22.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$337,500$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock85.8100
 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 Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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