Cost of Living in Altoona, IA

With a cost of living index of 90, Altoona, IA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 19% above the Iowa state average of 71. Altoona is a smaller community of 20,592 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Altoona's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,203 (9% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $257,300 (16% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Altoona is $87,123, which is 16% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.