Cost of Living in Altoona, PA
Population 43,508 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Altoona lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $114,000 — 63% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Pennsylvania. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 85 miles east of Pittsburgh, Altoona is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
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 $113,600 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $789/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,171/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 60.3°F and lows of 41.7°F. Overall, Altoona has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 48 | 61 | 71 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 63 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 21 | 23 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 58 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.23 | 1.95 | 3.01 | 3.28 | 3.72 | 3.42 | 3.48 | 3.26 | 3.96 | 2.92 | 2.85 | 2.57 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Altoona, PA?
Altoona has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Altoona, PA?
The median gross rent in Altoona is $789 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona is $113,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona is $50,171 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Altoona, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Altoona is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Altoona, PA affordable?
Yes, Altoona is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona has average high temperatures of 60.3°F and average lows of 41.7°F. Annual precipitation is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Altoona at a Glance
- Population
- 43,508
- Median Income
- $50,171
- Home Value
- $113,600
- Median Rent
- $789/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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