Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA vs Altoona, PA MSA

How do Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA and Altoona, PA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,212
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA (1BR)
$948
Altoona, PA MSA (1BR)
+28%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA
$1,212/mo 1BR
Population: 593,318
Metro
Altoona, PA MSA
$948/mo 1BR
Population: 122,640

A 1-bedroom in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA is 28% more expensive than Altoona, PA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,212 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 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA Altoona, PA MSA Difference
Studio $1,058 $802 +$256 (+32%)
1 Bedroom $1,212 $948 +$264 (+28%)
2 Bedroom $1,493 $1,138 +$355 (+31%)
3 Bedroom $1,920 $1,458 +$462 (+32%)
4 Bedroom $1,977 $1,705 +$272 (+16%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA is 26% above 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).