Average Rent in Dubuque, IA↑ Rents rising 6.4% YoY🔺 12th priciest in IA

Dubuque, IA has rental prices ranging from $722/month to $1,673/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $763/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $75,919/year, spending $763/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Dubuque Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $996/month, Dubuque ranks #12 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 64% of all US cities in our data.

The Dubuque Rental Market

The Dubuque, IA area has a population of about 98,948 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Dubuque, IA have risen by $60/month (6.4%) over the past year, from $936 to $996. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Dubuque, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,520. The local median household income of $75,919 exceeds that threshold by $45,399, making Dubuque relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Dubuque, IA is $251,360, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Dubuque's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Washington ($115,086 median home value), Valley View ($139,743 median home value), North End ($141,020 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Dubuque, IA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Dubuque?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Dubuque

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.