Dubuque, IA vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Dubuque has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Dubuque | Madison | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 76 | 100 | Dubuque |
| Housing | 55 ($660) | 100 ($955) | Dubuque |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 87 ($357) | 103 ($422) | Dubuque |
| Utilities | 78 ($99) | 100 ($180) | Dubuque |
| Healthcare | 78 ($72) | 100 ($130) | Dubuque |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 104 ($50,270) | Dubuque |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubuque, IA or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
Dubuque, IA is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Dubuque, IA: 76, Madison, WI: 100; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Dubuque, IA vs Madison, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $26,600/year in Dubuque, IA and $35,000/year in Madison, WI to cover basic living costs.