Are you considering a move to Alton, Illinois, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Alton, Illinois is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Alton, Illinois and help you understand whether $1577 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5750.0.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
52.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.59 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.85 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
5.69 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.89 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
11.02 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.02 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.3 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.3 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
6.61 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.08 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.15 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.37 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
78.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.11 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19500.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
10500.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
148.41 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
39.79 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
-- |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
10.25 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
7460.0 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
-- |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
75.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
70.0 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5750.0 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Alton, Illinois come to a total of approximately $1577. This includes an average monthly rent of around $0 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $168 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $908 per month.
Living in Alton, Illinois appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5750.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Alton, Illinois, you would likely need an income exceeding $5750.0.
In Alton, Illinois, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5750.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Alton, Illinois is approximately $0. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $None for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Alton, Illinois can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $654 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium risk in Alton due to high crime rates, but police do punctuate that much of the crime here is between "parties that are familiar with each other" and not a bunch of random crime.
There is a public bus system to take you around Madison County, but there's no easy route that goes across the Mississippi River into the St. Louis area. You can call a taxi or rideshare service. Having a car would be ideal here, and cyclists will love the miles of bike trails to get around to different tourist spots. One note - there is only one bridge here that goes into Missouri and the area on the other side is very prone to flooding, leaving a potential detour to get to the other side.
There's a medium risk here. In the spring of 2021, there were several people caught on tape pickpocketing throughout this entire region. In one video, you can see a woman hanging her purse on the back of her chair at a restaurant and the slick thief snatched the wallet right from her bag and she didn't even notice. Be sure to practice good offense with your personal property here. Put your wallet in the front pocket or an inside jacket pocket with a rubber band around it. The rubber band gives friction if someone tries to grab it. Always keep your purse in sight and never leave it unattended on the ground or back of a chair.
Flooding is the biggest concern here. I lived through the floods of the early 90s in the St. Louis area. I was on the south side of the region where two rivers meet, but Alton was also hit hard. I can still remember driving around and seeing the National Guard protecting access to flooded neighborhoods. You also have to worry about severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes here. Winters can bring snow or ice storms. There's a medium risk throughout the year and you should always be weather aware.
There were 27 robberies in 2020, which doesn't sound like a lot, but remember this is a small town. When you do the math to determine crime per 100,000 - the way the crime statistics are reported to the FBI - that's 25% higher than the national average. There's a low risk it's going to happen to you, but if you are enjoying the nightlife in Alton, that risk goes up to medium. I tell you this as someone who spent many nights in Alton during my younger years when Fast Eddie's was the hot spot in town for late-night fun.
Alton is part of a large metro area and that puts it at medium risk. Alton itself would not be a target unless terrorists were trying to break the dam and cause flooding. You shouldn't be scared to be here because of that, but always be vigilant and follow the rules of "See Something, Say Something."
Madison County has a list of the most common scams being reported in the area, and while there's a long list, there aren't any that target tourists. The two biggest red flags are to watch out for anyone who asks you to purchase gift cards in exchange for something else or pressures you to wire money.
After dark, there's a medium risk for women here, mostly because it's a town with some good nightlife and that can cause women to stop focusing on personal safety in the name of fun. During the day you'll need to practice good personal safety measures, especially if you are using one of the many outdoor trails.
The tap water here is in full compliance with requirements and Illinois Water just spent nearly $200 million upgrading the water treatment facility.
You will show your Visa to the Customs agent when you leave the airport but before you get onto U.S. soil. The process of getting a Visa can take up to four months, so start planning early. It's important to know a Visa doesn't guarantee you access, so be on your best behavior when Homeland Security and Border Patrol check your Visa and ask you questions.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. There are some cash-only places here, like Fast Eddie's Bon Air. The restaurant does have ATMs if you want to get cash inside, but be prepared to pay a hefty fee for that convenience.
You'll get the best and worst of all four seasons here, and it's a roll of the dice on how the weather will be during your visit. Getting a reliable weather app is important to help you plan for packing. Winters can get brutally cold or can be incredibly mild. That can also change within 24 hours. The summer will be muggy, so be prepared to sweat a lot. Wearing those plastic Crocs or flip-flops might not be comfortable when your feet are sweating, so bring comfortable walking shoes.
The St. Louis Lambert Field airport is 22 miles away and coming from the northeastern Illinois side, you probably won't have to deal with too much traffic. If there is flooding that closes the bridge in Alton, you'll have a detour that will be a 30-mile drive.
You will definitely want to get travel insurance to make sure you don't lose money if your trip gets canceled or delayed. Make sure the coverage includes dragon attacks. (I hope that last part made you laugh!)
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 40°F | 45°F | 57°F | 68°F | 76°F | 85°F | 88°F | 86°F | 80°F | 68°F | 55°F | 43°F |
| Temp | 31°F | 35°F | 45°F | 57°F | 66°F | 75°F | 79°F | 77°F | 69°F | 58°F | 46°F | 35°F |
| Low | 25°F | 28°F | 38°F | 48°F | 57°F | 66°F | 70°F | 67°F | 59°F | 48°F | 38°F | 29°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 4°C | 7°C | 13°C | 20°C | 24°C | 29°C | 31°C | 30°C | 26°C | 20°C | 12°C | 6°C |
| Temp | 0°C | 1°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 23°C | 26°C | 25°C | 20°C | 14°C | 7°C | 1°C |
| Low | -3°C | -2°C | 3°C | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C | 19°C | 15°C | 8°C | 3°C | -1°C |