Cedar Rapids, IA vs Dubuque, IA

Cedar Rapids, IA and Dubuque, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2% difference in their overall index. Cedar Rapids scores 74 while Dubuque scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month compared to $943/month in Dubuque — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cedar Rapids is more affordable at $177,100 median vs $193,100.

Median household income in Cedar Rapids is $67,859 compared to $64,985 in Dubuque (+4.4%). Cedar Rapids offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Cedar Rapids spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Dubuque.