Altoona, PA vs Johnstown, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Johnstown is 21% cheaper than Altoona. With a cost index of 53 vs 64, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Johnstown to Altoona should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Altoona is $789/month compared to $616/month in Johnstown — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Johnstown is more affordable at $42,100 median vs $113,600.

Median household income in Altoona is $50,171 compared to $34,784 in Johnstown (+44.2%). While Altoona is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Altoona spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 21.3% in Johnstown.