Alton, IL vs Cambridge, MA

Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.

Score Snapshot

No universal winner

Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.

Alton

77.1

#275 nationally

vs

Cambridge

70.6

#1085 nationally

Cambridge leads in median household income ($115,892 vs $49,439). Cambridge leads in walk score (87 vs 39). Alton leads in cost of living index (84 vs 172).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Alton, IL Cambridge, MA
WhereAtHome Score 77.1 (#275) 70.6 (#1085)
Population 25,006 117,090
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $105,039 $1,055,780
Median Household Income $49,439 $115,892
Average Commute 23.4 min 27.8 min
Walk Score 39 87
Crime Level 26.4 Low
School Rating N/A 8.4
Cost of Living Index 84 172
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+13.3 D+39.5
Alton, IL
C+
77.1 Score

Alton, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$105,039

Population

25,006

Crime

Very High

Walk Score

39

Midwest View Alton, IL →
Cambridge, MA
C-
70.6 Score

Cambridge, MA

Academic powerhouse across the Charles

Median Home

$1,055,780

Population

117,090

Crime

Low

Schools

A

Northeast View Cambridge, MA →

Try a different matchup

Swap Alton for:

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Swap Cambridge for:

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