Cost of Living in Altoona, IA
Population 20,592 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Altoona is a smaller Iowa community of around 21000 residents, where median household incomes of $87,123 and housing costs ($257,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 8 miles northeast of Des Moines, Altoona falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 40% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Altoona
The median home value in Altoona is $257,300 — 16% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,203/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,123/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Altoona has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Altoona, IA?
Altoona has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in Altoona, IA?
The median gross rent in Altoona is $1,203 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona is $257,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona is $87,123 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Altoona, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Altoona is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Altoona, IA affordable?
Yes, Altoona is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
Altoona at a Glance
- Population
- 20,592
- Median Income
- $87,123
- Home Value
- $257,300
- Median Rent
- $1,203/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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