Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Lancaster, PA MSA vs Altoona, PA MSA
How do Lancaster, PA MSA and Altoona, PA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,220
- Lancaster, PA MSA (1BR)
- $948
- Altoona, PA MSA (1BR)
- +29%
- 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 Lancaster, PA MSA is 29% more expensive than Altoona, PA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,220 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 | Lancaster, PA MSA | Altoona, PA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,102 | $802 | +$300 (+37%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 | $948 | +$272 (+29%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,526 | $1,138 | +$388 (+34%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,980 | $1,458 | +$522 (+36%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,020 | $1,705 | +$315 (+18%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Lancaster, PA MSA is 27% 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).