2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Decorah, IA vs Mason City, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mason City or is it cheaper to live in Decorah?
- Mason City is 13.5% less expensive than Decorah.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mason City or Decorah?
- Mason City housing costs are 47.1% less expensive than Decorah housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Decorah or is Health Care more affordable in Mason City.
- Health related expenses are 21.4% less in Mason City.
 Decorah, IAMason City, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock73.3100
 Food & Groceries98.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock100.5100
 Housing70.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$137,100$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock59.1100
 Miscellaneous105.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Mason City    8 Reviews

I am from the area originally and have lived several places. I recently moved back from Arizona. I moved back to help with my elderly parents. If I did not have  More

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Over 13 years ago

Where to begin?? Murder,arson,abductions,beastialty,gang killings,meth labs,pantie thiefs. High utility bills, no jobs, corrupt police, evil judges, minus 40 below wind  More

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Over 14 years ago

Unless you have a tie to Mason City, such as family, don't even consider this desolate town. The population is declining rapidly for a reason. You are on an island,  More

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