What is the cost of living in Algona, IA?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Algona has an overall cost of living index of 95, which is 0.9x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Iowa, Algona has a cost of living index that's 1.1x higher than Iowa's index of 90.
The standard of living in Algona ranks as #56 most affordable out of the 85 places we measured in Iowa. By definition, that implies Algona ranks as the #29 most expensive place in the Hawkeye State.
For more reading on life in Algona, check out:
Algona Cost Of Living Vs. Iowa
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Algona. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Algona is 99.
The Groceries index in Algona is 102.
The Health index in Algona is 75.
The Housing index in Algona is 98.
The Transportation index in Algona is 105.
The Utilities index in Algona is 98.
| Living Expense | Algona | Iowa | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 90 | 100 |
| Services | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 95 | 100 |
| Health | 75 | 75 | 100 |
| Housing | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 93 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 94 | 100 |
Algona Cost Of Living Compared To Iowa Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Iowa, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Algona Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Algona, IA Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Iowa, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Algona is $179,883.
The Median Rent in Algona is $885.
The Median Income in Algona is $56,040.
The Home Value To Income in Algona is 3.2x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Algona is 0.19x.
Algona, IA Costs By Category
Detailed Algona Services costs vs. Iowa
Detailed Algona Groceries costs vs. Iowa
Detailed Algona Health costs vs. Iowa
Detailed Algona Transportation costs vs. Iowa
Algona SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Algona
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Algona. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost of living index of 84, 0.9x Algona.
Spencer, IA has a cost of living index of 89, 0.9x Algona.
Fairmont, MN has a cost of living index of 94, 1.0x Algona.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Algona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,827 | 84 | 0.9x |
| Spencer, IA | 11,400 | 89 | 0.9x |
| Fairmont, MN | 10,296 | 94 | 1.0x |
| Clear Lake, IA | 7,607 | 94 | 1.0x |
| Estherville, IA | 5,839 | 87 | 0.9x |
