Altoona, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Altoona, PA Utility & Living Guide

Altoona offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient amenities, making it a great place to live.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Altoona
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Altoona
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Penelec (FirstEnergy)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
💧 Water

$45/mo

Altoona Water Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Altoona City Waste Collection
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Altoona housing market is stable with moderate demand. Affordable homes are available, but prices have risen slightly due to limited inventory.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-0.5% (declining)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic leanings)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, job opportunities, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited but stroller-friendly buses are available. Sidewalks are common in residential areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lakemont Park
  • 🎯
    Railroaders Memorial Museum
  • 🎯
    Altoona Area Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Pleasant Valley and Greenwood are popular for families due to good schools and parks. Downtown offers walkability but fewer family-sized homes.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Altoona based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations. Short-term rentals require licensing.

Altoona's economy is seeing growth in healthcare and logistics sectors. Local businesses are benefiting from increased regional investment.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

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📊 Altoona — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$46,010
👤 Median Age
39.6
🏠 Homeownership Rate
64.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
35.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
20.3%
💼 Unemployment Rate
6.8%
📡 Internet Access
80.8%
🎓 College Educated
17.4%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Winter heating costs can spike gas bills by 30-40%. Summer AC use raises electric bills slightly.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rates vary by district, with Altoona city at 22.5 mills. No local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are decent but uneven in older areas. Parks are accessible, but transit elevators are rare.

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