2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Altoona, PA vs Harrisburg, PA

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Highlights
Are people in Harrisburg older or younger than people in Altoona?
- The Median Age in Harrisburg is 8.0 years younger than in Altoona.

Are housing costs cheaper in Harrisburg or Altoona?
- Harrisburg housing costs are 77.9% more expensive than Altoona housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Harrisburg or Altoona?
- The average commute for residents of Harrisburg is 2.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Altoona.

Things to do in Altoona?
Altoona, Pennsylvania lies within Blair County giving visitors access to Adventure Lagoon Water Park or Baker Mansion plus multiple restaurants like Chewy's Pizza & Wings Bar & Grill

Things to do in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg, PA is the state capital located in Dauphin County near the Susquehanna River. Home to several museums and cultural sites such as National Civil War Museum and State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg provides its residents with plenty of activities such as visiting City Island Park or taking a stroll through Italian Lake Park. The area also features dozens of restaurants and various shops that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for educational opportunities or just want easy access to big city attractions — Harrisburg is sure to please!

 Altoona, PAHarrisburg, PAUnited States
 Population  Unlock49,969329,725,481
 Median Income$46,010  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$119,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock13.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.96  Unlock26.38
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 Harrisburg    23 Reviews

I wouldn't recommend Harrisburg. I currently live here, but I'm moving to Lancaster in a month. The problem with Harrisburg is that many long-term residents often refer  More

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Over 8 years ago

I moved to Harrisburg right after college and have been here for about 6 years now. This city is OK. Downtown has some nicer restaurants, but still has just as many  More

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Having lived here many years I've noticed that some people are very nice but most won't give you the time of day.Due to many years of "lifetime" politicians, the city is  More

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