Uprootmap
Johnstown vs Altoona
Johnstown and Altoona
Photo: Geowizerd / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Altoona are under the US rate in this release, 2 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Johnstown to Altoona
In 2022-2023, 228 households filed a move from Johnstown to Altoona (about 336 people, average adjusted gross income $43,316). 187 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $722 in Johnstown and $847 in Altoona. Johnstown has a state tax on wages. Altoona has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Altoona is 87% of the national level for the same work, against 86% in Johnstown.
Altoona averages 179 sunny days, with July highs around 85°F and January nights around 26°F. Johnstown is 170 sunny days, 80°F in July, 25°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Altoona and 23 in Johnstown.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 228 households moved Johnstown → Altoona (about 336 people, average AGI $43,316). 187 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Johnstown and Altoona changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 26 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,550–$2,900
- Container or pod
- $1,050–$1,950
- Rent a truck
- $350–$650
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Dig into Altoona
Questions
Is Altoona cheaper than Johnstown after tax and rent?
No. Altoona leaves about $153 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $722 in Johnstown and $847 in Altoona.
Does Altoona have state income tax?
Altoona is in Pennsylvania, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Johnstown to Altoona?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.