Allentown, PA vs Altoona, PA

The cost of living difference between Allentown, PA and Altoona, PA is dramatic. Altoona is 37.8% cheaper than Allentown, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Allentown has a cost index of 89 while Altoona sits at 64, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month compared to $789/month in Altoona — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Altoona is more affordable at $113,600 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $50,171 in Altoona (+6.4%). Allentown does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Allentown spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.9% in Altoona.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.1°F vs 51°F). Allentown receives more rainfall at 47.4" per year compared to 36.7" in Altoona.