2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Boston, MA vs Decorah, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Decorah or is it cheaper to live in Boston?
- Decorah is 43.8% less expensive than Boston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Decorah or Boston?
- Decorah housing costs are 69.3% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Boston or is Health Care more affordable in Decorah.
- Health related expenses are 42.6% more in Decorah.
 Boston, MADecorah, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock84.7100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock127.9100
 Housing228.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$244,800$338,100
 Utilities117  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock59.7100
 Miscellaneous157.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

   |    Reply

I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Boston

Reviews for Decorah    3 Reviews

ridiculously expensive housing for such a small town. The wages in the town do not even remotely compensate for the high cost of housing. Average housing prices start  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I have been a resident of Decorah, IA for 26 years. Decorah is located in the northeast corner of Iowa. When we entertain out of town guests they always comment how  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

This college has the most extensive music program of any liberal arts college around, has a strong connection to public radio, and Decorah is reputed to be a lovely  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Decorah


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.