2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Altoona, PA vs Olympia, WA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Olympia or is it cheaper to live in Altoona?
- Olympia is 45.2% more expensive than Altoona.

Which city has more affordable housing, Olympia or Altoona?
- Olympia housing costs are 316.6% more expensive than Altoona housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Altoona or is Health Care more affordable in Olympia.
- Health related expenses are 1.1% less in Olympia.
 Altoona, PAOlympia, WAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock112.1100
 Food & Groceries97.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.1100
 Housing37.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$472,500$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock91.1100
 Miscellaneous94.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Altoona

Reviews for Olympia    39 Reviews

We moved here from Kitsap Bremerton/Silverdale WA area and this beats it all the way in all material ways. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is the cost of  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

The city is horrible. The business have been chased out by homeless. The city government makes it for difficult for businesses to thrive. If you like what Seattle is  More

   |    Reply

Having lived all over the world we decided to retire in Olympia and live on the Puget Sound. Yes it rains but the weather can change dramatically in a day with sun and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Olympia


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.