2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Boston, MA vs Altoona, PA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Altoona or is it cheaper to live in Boston?
- Altoona is 48.8% less expensive than Boston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Altoona or Boston?
- Altoona housing costs are 83.7% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Boston or is Health Care more affordable in Altoona.
- Health related expenses are 1.8% less in Altoona.
 Boston, MAAltoona, PAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock77.2100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.1100
 Housing228.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$119,400$338,100
 Utilities117  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock82.4100
 Miscellaneous157.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

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I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

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I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

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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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