Cost of Living in Decorah, IA
Population 7,597 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Decorah is a smaller Iowa community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,177 and housing costs ($235,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Decorah is about 60 miles southeast of Rochester, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Decorah
The median home value in Decorah is $234,600 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $788/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,177/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Decorah has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
Decorah has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Decorah, IA?
Decorah has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Decorah, IA?
The median gross rent in Decorah is $788 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Decorah?
The median home value in Decorah is $234,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Decorah?
The median household income in Decorah is $62,177 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Decorah, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Decorah is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Decorah, IA affordable?
Yes, Decorah is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Decorah at a Glance
- Population
- 7,597
- Median Income
- $62,177
- Home Value
- $234,600
- Median Rent
- $788/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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