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Cost of Living in Dubuque

Is it better to rent or buy in Dubuque? 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

🏠
$1,786 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,224
Taxes & Ins$320
Est. Utilities$242
% of Income25.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,285

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dubuque?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Dubuque. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,250, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,786 per month (a difference of $536).

How much do utilities cost in Dubuque?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Dubuque 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?›

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