2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Waterville, ME vs Decorah, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Decorah older or younger than people in Waterville?
- The Median Age in Decorah is 1.6 years younger than in Waterville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Decorah or Waterville?
- Decorah housing costs are 26.7% more expensive than Waterville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Decorah or Waterville?
- The average commute for residents of Decorah is 3.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Waterville.

Things to do in Waterville?
Waterville is a picturesque town in Central Maine near the Kennebec River with strong academic and industrial roots. The downtown area features beautiful historic buildings, plenty of delightful restaurants, plus a wide array of recreational activities that make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

Things to do in Decorah?
Living in Decorah, IA is an exciting and unique experience. The town is full of friendly people, charming architecture, and diverse culture. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the nearby trails and hills, fishing in the Upper Iowa River, or exploring the local caves. There are also great restaurants and breweries where you can enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks. The downtown area is bustling with quaint shops offering handmade gifts and art pieces. Decorah also hosts several annual festivals such as the Nordic Fest, Trout Run Music Festival, and Winterfest that celebrate local heritage, music, and art. With its peaceful atmosphere and many attractions, living in Decorah is a truly enjoyable experience!

 Waterville, MEDecorah, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,767329,725,481
 Median Income$41,245  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$193,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waterville    8 Reviews

just spend 15 years living in LA and loving it, but now I'm retired and I am priced out. staying in Maine with family. do I move to Central Maine with its myriad  More

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Over 12 years ago

I have lived here for a decade but only started looking for office space in the last few months. There are lots of affordable places  More

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Over 12 years ago

Maine in general, and Waterville in particular, have been a wonderful place to homeschool our three children. We are able to work with as much or as little interaction  More

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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 16 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 16 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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