Cost of Living in Altoona, WI
Population 8,750 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Altoona can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $221,000 against $80,126 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 75 miles northeast of Rochester, Altoona is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
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 $220,900 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,157/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,126/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 55.2°F and lows of 34.2°F, with about 55.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Altoona has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.
Altoona has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 23 | 28 | 41 | 57 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 80 | 72 | 58 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 6 | 9 | 21 | 33 | 45 | 56 | 60 | 58 | 49 | 37 | 25 | 13 |
| Precip" | 1.03 | 1.10 | 1.97 | 3.08 | 3.91 | 4.83 | 3.61 | 4.18 | 3.65 | 2.49 | 1.79 | 1.35 |
| Snow" | 13.5 | 11.2 | 9.6 | 4.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 4.7 | 11.0 |
💨 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, WI?
Altoona has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Altoona, WI?
The median gross rent in Altoona is $1,157 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona is $220,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona is $80,126 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Altoona, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Altoona is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Altoona, WI affordable?
Yes, Altoona is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 34.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Average annual snowfall is 55.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Altoona at a Glance
- Population
- 8,750
- Median Income
- $80,126
- Home Value
- $220,900
- Median Rent
- $1,157/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs