Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Dubuque, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.7% more expensive than Dubuque, IA. This translates to spending an extra $352 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Dubuque, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Dubuque, IA, you'd need approximately $154,223.279 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dubuque, IA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.9% more expensive than in Dubuque, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $825/month in Dubuque, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dubuque, IA to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $352 more per month than Dubuque, IA, or $4223 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dubuque, IA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $352/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.2K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$352

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Dubuque, IA

The Hawkeye State

59K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Dubuque, IA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Dubuque, IA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,188/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $281more	12.9%
📦Other	$1,581/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $127more	8.0%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$601/mo	↓ $74.14less	11.0%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$546/mo	↑ $69.06more	14.5%
🛒Groceries	$901/mo	$959/mo	↑ $58.17more	6.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,242/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $42.52more	3.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.9%

Dubuque, IA

$2,188

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$281

📦Other

↑ 8.0%

Dubuque, IA

$1,581

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$127

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.0%

Dubuque, IA

$675

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$74.14

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.5%

Dubuque, IA

$477

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$69.06

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.5%

Dubuque, IA

$901

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$58.17

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.4%

Dubuque, IA

$1,242

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$42.52

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$593

To$1,570

↑ $977

1 Bed

From$645

To$1,640

↑ $995

2 Bed

From$825

To$1,800

↑ $975

3 Bed

From$1,110

To$2,255

↑ $1,145

Dubuque, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$910/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$504

Difference

Home Values

Dubuque

Raleigh

$324K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +5.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$200K - $330K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 58% more expensive than Dubuque

Calculate payment - Dubuque Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$298

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Dubuque, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.