Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Altoona, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.9% of gross income.
Altoona rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Altoona, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Altoona
View full rent data for Altoona, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Altoona, IA?
Median rent in Altoona is $1,583 a month. A typical carpenter in Iowa earns about $56,065 a year, which makes that rent 33.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Altoona?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Iowa (~$56,065/yr) supports up to $1,402 a month in rent. Altoona's current median rent is $1,583/mo, which is $181/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Altoona?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a carpenter in Iowa works roughly 58.7 hours a month to cover Altoona's median rent of $1,583.
Where is rent cheaper than Altoona for a carpenter?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Iowa City ($1,582/mo), Iowa City ($1,570/mo), Waukee ($1,570/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.