Dubuque, IA vs Urbandale, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dubuque is 19.8% cheaper than Urbandale. With a cost index of 76 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dubuque to Urbandale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dubuque is $943/month compared to $1,176/month in Urbandale — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dubuque is more affordable at $193,100 median vs $318,800.

Median household income in Dubuque is $64,985 compared to $113,086 in Urbandale (-42.5%). While Urbandale 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 12.5% in Urbandale.