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Cost of Living in Altoona, IA

Population 21,495 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,235
Median home value$274,600
Median household income$86,114

The median rent in Altoona, IA is $1,235/month, 27% higher than the Iowa median and 13% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $274,600, 17% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $86,114 a year, 15% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 17.2%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $49,400/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,389/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Altoona vs. Iowa vs. U.S.

AltoonaIowaU.S.
Median rent$1,235$972$1,413
Median home value$274,600$208,000$332,700
Median household income$86,114$75,059$80,734
Homeownership rate68.7%71.7%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher33.5%31.4%35.7%
Poverty rate8.3%11.1%12.5%
Unemployment rate7.5%3.6%5.2%
Work from home13.0%11.3%15.1%
Median age36.138.638.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Altoona, IA?

The median gross rent in Altoona, IA is $1,235 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Altoona, IA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $49,400 a year in gross income.

Is Altoona, IA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 13% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.2 times the median household income.

Other cities in Iowa

Des Moines, IARent $1,090 · Income $65,932Cedar Rapids, IARent $967 · Income $70,424Davenport, IARent $978 · Income $66,200Sioux City, IARent $976 · Income $68,906Iowa City, IARent $1,094 · Income $58,546Ankeny, IARent $1,319 · Income $108,198

Cities with a similar cost of living

Pasco, WARent $1,227 · Income $85,586Bellevue, NERent $1,226 · Income $85,462St. Charles, MORent $1,251 · Income $85,937Cartersville, GARent $1,229 · Income $84,437Agawam Town, MARent $1,256 · Income $85,421Rogers, ARRent $1,270 · Income $86,728

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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