Decorah, IA vs Marengo, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marengo is 19.4% cheaper than Decorah. With a cost index of 63 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marengo to Decorah should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Decorah is $788/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marengo is more affordable at $114,100 median vs $234,600.

Median household income in Decorah is $62,177 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (+7%). Decorah does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Decorah spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Marengo.