Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area vs Altoona, PA MSA
How do Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area and Altoona, PA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $871
- Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area (1BR)
- $948
- Altoona, PA MSA (1BR)
- −8%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area is 8% cheaper than Altoona, PA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($871 vs $948). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area | Altoona, PA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $730 | $802 | −$72 (-9%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $871 | $948 | −$77 (-8%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,065 | $1,138 | −$73 (-6%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,283 | $1,458 | −$175 (-12%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,505 | $1,705 | −$200 (-12%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Columbia County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area is 9% below the US average. Altoona, PA MSA is 1% below.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).