Cost of Living in Dubuque

Dubuque's cost of living runs genuinely below the national average, with a property tax rate below Iowa's own statewide median.

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A genuinely below-average cost of living

Dubuque's overall cost-of-living index ran approximately 92 (100 = national average), roughly 8% below the national baseline, per HomeSnacks.

Housing and rent both run moderate

Dubuque's average home value ran approximately $251,360 (up 6.1% YoY), and average rent ran approximately $1,139/month -- both close to national medians rather than markedly cheap or expensive.

A property tax rate below Iowa's statewide median

Dubuque's effective property tax rate (~1.33%) runs genuinely below Iowa's statewide median (~1.54%) and below the rates documented for Iowa's larger Tier A+ metros elsewhere in this project.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.