Budget Living: Iowa's Scenic River City Is An Affordable Place To Settle

Iowa's eastern border runs along the Mississippi River, but not every town along the river is as desirable as one affordable cosmopolitan city: Dubuque, Iowa, has more going for it than just a great location with scenic river views, though. It's also considered affordable and safe when compared to the nation at large. The cost of living in Iowa is already relatively low, and Dubuque's specifically is 9% lower than the national average according to Payscale. That can add up to big savings, especially if you're moving here from states like New York, California, or Illinois, where the cost of living can be much higher than the national average.

The majority of people living in Dubuque own their homes — a testament to its affordability. Average home prices in this Iowa city are 30% lower than the national average. RentCafe reports the average home price sitting at around $351,912 in Dubuque. When compared to the overall average home selling price of $512,800 in Q2 of 2025, as noted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, that's a significant cost benefit. For renters, Livability says to expect median monthly rent to run around $754, which is quite a bit lower than the median rent payment of $1,100 the Federal Reserve reports Americans paid in 2023.

Housing costs aside, there are plenty of other factors making Dubuque, Iowa, so affordable. Groceries, one of the top monthly expenses for most households after housing and transportation, are about 2% lower in Dubuque than the national average, according to RentCafe. This means buying necessities like milk, eggs, and fruits and vegetables will be more affordable in this scenic river city.

Monthly spending on utilities can also take up a good portion of an individual's income, and the utility costs in Dubuque are generally about 2% lower than the national average. According to Electric Choice's analysis of data from utility and energy providers and the Energy Information Administration, the average household pays about 15.22 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity, while Iowa residents can expect the per-kilowatt-hour cost of electricity to sit around 14.02 cents. This may not seem like much, but when you consider that this cost is for every kilowatt-hour used, the savings can make a difference in your monthly expenses.

Healthcare is another area where Dubuque residents can save. Apartments.com reports the average cost of healthcare in Dubuque is 8.3% lower than the national average. While you might pay more for a visit to the optometrist, you'll save on dental care and prescription drugs. Pet care can also be more affordable, with the average cost of a veterinary visit being around 24% lower than the national average.

With many grim finance predictions highlighting today's challenging economy, affordability is top of mind for most people looking to relocate. But it's good to know that Dubuque is a lot more than just cheap. There's a strong sense of community among its roughly 59,000 residents to help newcomers settle. The city combines small-town charm with year-round cultural activities and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. A visit to the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden can put you at ease, while taking a charming riverboat cruise with American Lady Cruises allows you to see the sights from a different perspective.

Events and activities throughout the year mean there's always something to do in and around Dubuque. A weekly farmers market is a great place to get fresh produce, handmade goods, and mingle with locals. A Halloween parade along Main Street, Christmas on the Square at Cable Car Square, and a community Easter egg hunt at Allison-Henderson Park are just a few examples of the endless options for year-round entertainment and fun in Dubuque. You can also take advantage of the many local parks to enjoy some refreshing green spaces, playgrounds, and scenery for free. Enjoy a picnic and a round of tennis or horseshoes at Louis Murphy Park, or head to Bee Branch Creek Greenway for a relaxing stroll on the bioswale boardwalk, where you can get to the beautiful Chaplain Schmitt Island.