Is Denver, CO cheaper than Altoona, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 21.8% more expensive than Altoona, PA. This translates to spending an extra $1635 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Altoona, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Altoona, PA, you'd need approximately $169,621.386 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Altoona, PA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 64.2% more expensive than in Altoona, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,131/month in Altoona, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Altoona, PA to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1635 more per month than Altoona, PA, or $19621 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Altoona, PA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Altoona, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

Current salary in Altoona, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $169.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 21.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,635

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$19.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Altoona, PA

Population:43K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$133K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:122

Median Home:$513K

Altoona, PA

The Keystone State

43K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 43K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Altoona, PA vs Denver, CO

Category	Altoona, PA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,978/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,271more	64.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $228more	18.5%
📦Other	$1,631/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $144more	8.8%
🏥Healthcare	$531/mo	$632/mo	↑ $101more	19.1%
⚡All Utilities	$611/mo	$519/mo	↓ $91.88less	15.0%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $32.71more	3.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 64.2%

Altoona, PA

$1,978

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,271

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.5%

Altoona, PA

$1,234

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$228

📦Other

↑ 8.8%

Altoona, PA

$1,631

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$144

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.1%

Altoona, PA

$531

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$101

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.0%

Altoona, PA

$611

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$91.88

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.3%

Altoona, PA

$997

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$32.71

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Altoona, PA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$797

To$1,720

↑ $923

1 Bed

From$944

To$1,840

↑ $896

2 Bed

From$1,131

To$2,190

↑ $1,059

3 Bed

From$1,451

To$2,870

↑ $1,419

Altoona, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$930/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,980

Monthly in Altoona, PA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,685

Difference

Home Values

Altoona

Denver

$133K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +13.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$129K - $138K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 284% more expensive than Altoona

Calculate payment - Altoona Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$166

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Altoona, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Altoona, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.