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Cost of Living in Dubuque County

Is it better to rent or buy in Dubuque County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$84,843
$1,008/mo

Median in area: $1,008

$241,969

Median in area: $241,969

$48,394

If you Rent

🔑
$1,250 /mo
Base Rent$1,008
Est. Utilities$242
% of Income17.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,820

If you Buy

🏠
$1,877 /mo
P&I (7.206%)$1,315
Taxes & Ins$320
Est. Utilities$242
% of Income26.5%
Pre-tax Residual$5,193

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Dubuque County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyClayton County, IA
$787/mo
countyJo Daviess County, IL
$874/mo
countyGrant County, WI
$803/mo
countyDelaware County, IA
$711/mo
countyJackson County, IA
$823/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dubuque County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Dubuque County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,250, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,877 per month (a difference of $627).

How much do utilities cost in Dubuque County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Dubuque County is approximately $242. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Dubuque County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Dubuque County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $50,000 per year.