2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Altoona, PA vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or is it cheaper to live in Altoona?
- Chicago is 36.9% more expensive than Altoona.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chicago or Altoona?
- Chicago housing costs are 167.6% more expensive than Altoona housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Altoona or is Health Care more affordable in Chicago.
- Health related expenses are 0.1% less in Chicago.
 Altoona, PAChicago, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries97.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing37.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$284,100$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.5100
 Miscellaneous94.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Altoona    11 Reviews

Sun rises and sets over 2000+ ft. mountains, which does seem to shorten your summer days. It gets hot and humid in the summer, with not a lot of wind or airflow,  More

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Over 5 years ago

Though the climate in Altoona is cold in the Winter, it does often get less snow than Western Pennsylvania because of the Allegheny Front mountain range just to the west  More

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I grew up in Hollidaysburg near Altoona. The city has had its ups and downs throughout the years but all in all I think that central PA has the most beautiful scenery  More

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Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

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Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

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I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

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