Dubuque, IA vs Marion, IA

Dubuque is moderately more affordable than Marion, with a 5.6% lower cost of living index. Dubuque scores 76 compared to 80 for Marion, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Marion can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dubuque is $943/month compared to $978/month in Marion — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dubuque is more affordable at $193,100 median vs $230,800.

Median household income in Dubuque is $64,985 compared to $87,105 in Marion (-25.4%). While Marion is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dubuque spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Marion.