Dubuque, IA vs Sioux City, IA

Dubuque, IA and Sioux City, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Dubuque scores 76 while Sioux City scores 73 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 Dubuque is $943/month compared to $936/month in Sioux City — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sioux City is more affordable at $162,600 median vs $193,100.

Median household income in Dubuque is $64,985 compared to $65,473 in Sioux City (-0.7%). Sioux City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dubuque spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Sioux City.