Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA vs Altoona, PA MSA
How do Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA and Altoona, PA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,028
- Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA (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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA is 8% more expensive than Altoona, PA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,028 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 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA | Altoona, PA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $863 | $802 | +$61 (+8%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,028 | $948 | +$80 (+8%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,252 | $1,138 | +$114 (+10%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,631 | $1,458 | +$173 (+12%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,766 | $1,705 | +$61 (+4%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA is 7% 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).