Cost of Living in Dubuque, IA
Population 59,271 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Dubuque can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $193,000 against $64,985 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Dubuque is about 60 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dubuque
The median home value in Dubuque is $193,100 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $943/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,985/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 56.4°F and lows of 38.0°F, with about 42.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dubuque has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 31 | 44 | 58 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 15 | 26 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 40 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 1.32 | 1.57 | 2.25 | 4.06 | 4.30 | 5.19 | 4.80 | 3.95 | 3.82 | 2.93 | 2.21 | 1.80 |
| Snow" | 10.7 | 10.6 | 5.7 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.8 | 10.3 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dubuque, IA?
The median gross rent in Dubuque is $943 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dubuque?
The median home value in Dubuque is $193,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dubuque?
The median household income in Dubuque is $64,985 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dubuque, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dubuque is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Dubuque, IA affordable?
Yes, Dubuque is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dubuque?
Dubuque has average high temperatures of 56.4°F and average lows of 38.0°F. Annual precipitation is 38.2". Average annual snowfall is 42.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dubuque at a Glance
- Population
- 59,271
- Median Income
- $64,985
- Home Value
- $193,100
- Median Rent
- $943/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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