Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Altoona, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.2% of gross income.
Altoona rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Altoona, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Altoona
View full rent data for Altoona, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Altoona, IA?
Median rent in Altoona is $1,436 a month. A typical paramedic in Iowa earns about $48,926 a year, which makes that rent 35.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Altoona?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Iowa (~$48,926/yr) supports up to $1,223 a month in rent. Altoona's current median rent is $1,436/mo, which is $213/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Altoona?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in Iowa works roughly 61 hours a month to cover Altoona's median rent of $1,436.
Where is rent cheaper than Altoona for a paramedic?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Grimes ($1,435/mo), Johnston ($1,432/mo), Johnston ($1,430/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.