Altoona, PA vs Lancaster, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Altoona has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Altoona | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 62 | 79 | Altoona |
| Housing | 33 ($552) | 59 ($824) | Altoona |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Altoona |
| Food & groceries | 67 ($275) | 85 ($349) | Altoona |
| Utilities | 67 ($59) | 80 ($106) | Altoona |
| Healthcare | 67 ($43) | 80 ($77) | Altoona |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona, PA or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Altoona, PA is cheaper overall by about 17 index points (Altoona, PA: 62, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Altoona, PA vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $21,700/year in Altoona, PA and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.