City vs city
Altoona, PA vs State College, PA
- Rent is 55% lower in Altoona (median $819/mo vs $1,273/mo in State College).
- Homes cost 265% less in Altoona ($120k vs $438k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $454 more a month after taxes and rent in Altoona.
- Schools rate higher in State College (9.4/10 vs 6.3/10).
- State College has less violent crime (1.7 vs 2.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- State College gets more sun (198 vs 169 sunny days a year).
| Altoona | State College | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $819/mo | $1,273/mo |
| Median home value | $120k | $438k |
| Median household income | $51k | $45k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $4,122 | $3,668 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 6.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 19% below the US rate | 53% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 81°F | 81°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 27°F |
| Sunny days a year | 169 | 198 |
| Walk score | 50 | 47 |
| Population | 43,196 | 41,050 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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