Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Dubuque, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 11.4% more expensive than Dubuque, IA. This translates to spending an extra $854 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Dubuque, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Dubuque, IA, you'd need approximately $160,245.798 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dubuque, IA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 27.5% more expensive than in Dubuque, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $825/month in Dubuque, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dubuque, IA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $854 more per month than Dubuque, IA, or $10246 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dubuque, IA vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $854/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$854

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.2K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Dubuque, IA

The Hawkeye State

59K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dubuque, IA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Dubuque, IA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,188/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $601more	27.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,242/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $247more	19.9%
📦Other	$1,581/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $96.81more	6.1%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$589/mo	↓ $86.53less	12.8%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$561/mo	↑ $83.82more	17.6%
🛒Groceries	$901/mo	$963/mo	↑ $62.17more	6.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 27.5%

Dubuque, IA

$2,188

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$601

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.9%

Dubuque, IA

$1,242

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$247

📦Other

↑ 6.1%

Dubuque, IA

$1,581

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$96.81

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.8%

Dubuque, IA

$675

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$86.53

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Dubuque, IA

$477

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$83.82

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.9%

Dubuque, IA

$901

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$62.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$593

To$1,390

↑ $797

1 Bed

From$645

To$1,510

↑ $865

2 Bed

From$825

To$1,750

↑ $925

3 Bed

From$1,110

To$2,330

↑ $1,220

Dubuque, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$910/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,004

Difference

Home Values

Dubuque

Phoenix

$324K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +5.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$200K - $330K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 28% more expensive than Dubuque

Calculate payment - Dubuque Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$456

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Dubuque, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.