Cost of Living in Decorah, IA

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A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Decorah Iowa National
Cost of living9889100
Groceries10097100
Health care9996100
Housing9474100
Transportation9597100
Utilities10495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10195100
Household Items10097100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Homes For Sale In Decorah, IA

property for sale

304 Iowa Ave

Decorah, IA
property for sale

337 Washington St

Decorah, IA
property for sale

801 River St

Decorah, IA
property for sale

509 S Mill St

Decorah, IA
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Decorah, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Decorah is 9% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Decorah is 2% lower than the national average
  • Decorah housing is 6% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Decorah

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Compare Decorah, IA Cost of Living

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      The best places in Iowa

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$111,615$9,301$2,604$3,349
      Renters$40,751$3,396$951$1,223
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Decorah, IA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Decorah homeowners, is $111,615. This would allow for a maximum of $2,604 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $40,751 which would result in a maximum of $951 to be spent on rental costs.

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jackson Junction, IA92964.1%
      Castalia, IA1728415.6%
      Ridgeway, IA2638713.2%
      Ossian, IA8288515.1%
      Fort Atkinson, IA3908713.3%
      Decorah, IA7,825982.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newport, AR7,8288019.6%
      Brighton, MI7,8281032.8%
      Southgate, ON7,828n/a 
      Oceano, CA7,82013737.1%
      Perry, IA7,8208613.9%
      Decorah, IA7,825982.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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