Altoona, WI vs Middleton, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Altoona is 24% cheaper than Middleton. With a cost index of 85 vs 112, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Altoona to Middleton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Altoona is $1,157/month compared to $1,357/month in Middleton — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Altoona is more affordable at $220,900 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Altoona is $80,126 compared to $85,526 in Middleton (-6.3%). Middleton 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 Altoona spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in Middleton.