Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Dubuque, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 11.2% more expensive than Dubuque, IA. This translates to spending an extra $838 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Dubuque, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Dubuque, IA, you'd need approximately $160,051.523 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dubuque, IA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 21.2% more expensive than in Dubuque, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $825/month in Dubuque, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dubuque, IA to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $838 more per month than Dubuque, IA, or $10052 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dubuque, IA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Dubuque, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Dubuque, IA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $838/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.1K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$838

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Dubuque, IA

Population:59K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$324K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$489K

Dubuque, IA

The Hawkeye State

59K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 59K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dubuque, IA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Dubuque, IA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,188/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $463more	21.2%
📦Other	$1,581/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $361more	22.9%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$607/mo	↓ $67.94less	10.1%
🛒Groceries	$901/mo	$949/mo	↑ $48.18more	5.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,242/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $42.52more	3.4%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$519/mo	↑ $41.74more	8.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 21.2%

Dubuque, IA

$2,188

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$463

📦Other

↑ 22.9%

Dubuque, IA

$1,581

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$361

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.1%

Dubuque, IA

$675

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$67.94

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Dubuque, IA

$901

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$48.18

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.4%

Dubuque, IA

$1,242

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$42.52

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Dubuque, IA

$477

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$41.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$593

To$1,600

↑ $1,007

1 Bed

From$645

To$1,680

↑ $1,035

2 Bed

From$825

To$1,840

↑ $1,015

3 Bed

From$1,110

To$2,350

↑ $1,240

Dubuque, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$910/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,063

Monthly in Dubuque, IA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$889

Difference

Home Values

Dubuque

Nashville

$324K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +5.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$200K - $330K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 51% more expensive than Dubuque

Calculate payment - Dubuque Calculate payment - Nashville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$892

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Dubuque, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Dubuque, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.