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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Alton, IL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.5K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $180.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 33.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,525
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$30.3K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alton, IL

Population:25K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$112K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:134
Median Home:$513K

Alton, IL

The Prairie State

25K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 25K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alton, IL vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 103.9%
Alton, IL
$1,593
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,655
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 27.1%
Alton, IL
$1,150
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$312
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 16.7%
Alton, IL
$1,520
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$254
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 23.4%
Alton, IL
$512
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$120
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 11.5%
Alton, IL
$923
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$106
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 0.3%
Alton, IL
$521
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$1.72
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Alton, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$732
To$1,720
โ†‘ $988
1 Bed
From$764
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,076
2 Bed
From$933
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,257
3 Bed
From$1,198
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,672
Alton, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $950โ€“$950/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,219
Monthly in Alton, IL
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,445
Difference

Home Values

Alton
Denver
$112K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +1.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +19.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$112K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 357% more expensive than Alton

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $825
Per year
Monthly Difference
$68.75
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Alton, IL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Illinois State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,797/month
$105.6K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Alton, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:2.2%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Alton
Denver
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
35.2%
99 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
39 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
39 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Illinois and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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