Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 68)
Healthcare dominates Dubuque's job market—hospitals and clinics employ thousands—alongside publishing (Telegraph Herald), financial services, and tourism tied to riverboat casinos and Mississippi River heritage. Manufacturing still exists but has shrunk. Five colleges anchor the regional economy. Most expats here work remote or in healthcare; local wages are modest ($45–55K median), so cost-of-living advantage matters more than earning potential.
Rent runs $1,100/month for a one-bedroom downtown, utilities included often. Car dependency is real—public transit is minimal, biking works spring through fall. Winters hit hard (below zero common). Healthcare access is solid with multiple hospitals. Bureaucracy is standard American. No language barrier. Internet is reliable. The main friction: isolation if you crave urban density or international community.
Winters are brutal and long; summers pleasant. Food leans Midwestern comfort (good breweries, decent farm-to-table spots). Social life revolves around churches, college events, and riverfront activities. The expat community is tiny—you'll mostly meet locals. Weekends mean hiking the Driftless bluffs, casino trips, or day drives to Madison or Chicago. Dubuque suits remote workers seeking affordability, outdoor access, and quiet—not those needing cosmopolitan energy or diverse expat networks.
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Dubuque, IA at the budget tier comes to about $1,312 a month for one adult, with $732 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $156 on groceries, $56.00 on dining out, $47.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $276 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$732/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$156/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$56.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$47.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$276/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Dubuque, IA at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,513 a month for one adult, with $732 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $208 on groceries, $140 on dining out, $112 on entertainment and lifestyle, $276 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$732/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$208/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$140/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$112/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$276/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Dubuque, IA at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,008 a month for one adult, with $995 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $291 on groceries, $234 on dining out, $167 on entertainment and lifestyle, $276 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$995/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$291/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$234/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$167/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$276/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $994.67/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Dubuque, IA's cost of living compares with Albrightsville, PA
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Dubuque is genuinely safe for daily life. With a Safety Index of 75, this small Mississippi River town feels secure for walking during day and evening hours. The compact downtown and residential neighborhoods have a small-town atmosphere where locals know each other. Violent crime is rare, and most expats report feeling comfortable with standard urban awareness practices.
Property crime (vehicle break-ins, package theft) occurs occasionally but isn't epidemic. Petty theft from unlocked cars is the most common issue. Avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles, especially near the riverfront or parking lots. Dubuque has minimal organized crime or scams targeting expats. Solo female travelers and residents report no particular safety concerns beyond normal precautions. The downtown area is well-lit and monitored.
Dubuque is politically stable with reliable local police and no geopolitical risks relevant to expats. The city has low corruption and straightforward governance. For an American considering relocation, this is an exceptionally safe choice—comparable to other Midwestern small cities. The main trade-off is limited urban amenities and cultural diversity, not safety. Highly suitable for remote workers or retirees seeking a secure, quiet environment.
See how Dubuque, IA's healthcare compares with Albrightsville, PA
Dubuque experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), with mild spring and fall transitions.
A picturesque city ideal for seasonal remote work settings.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Lift | Located in the heart of downtown Dubuque, The Lift offers a modern and collaborative workspace with exposed brick and large windows. It's a great option for digital nomads looking for a vibrant community and easy access to local restaurants and amenities. |
| Premier Workspaces - Dubuque | Located in the Merchants Centre, this location offers professional office space with flexible coworking options. It's a good choice for those who need a more formal work environment with access to meeting rooms and administrative support. |
| Novel Coworking - Dubuque | Located in the Roshek Building, Novel Coworking provides a historic yet modern workspace with high ceilings and large windows. It's a good option for digital nomads seeking a unique and inspiring work environment in downtown Dubuque. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Dubuque, IA's digital nomad life compares with Albrightsville, PA
Historic river city with a safe and clean environment. High quality of life for its size.
Areas of Dubuque, IA that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic, vibrant, riverfront revitalization
Downtown is experiencing a renaissance with new restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and offers river views, but can be noisy due to events and traffic. Many apartments are being renovated, attracting a mix of young professionals and empty-nesters.
Quaint, historic, tourist-oriented
Centered around the Fenelon Place Elevator (a funicular), this area has charming shops and restaurants. It's very walkable and offers unique views, but can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak season. Housing options are limited, mostly older buildings converted into apartments.
Residential, diverse, up-and-coming
The North End is a more affordable residential area with a mix of housing styles. It's becoming increasingly diverse and is seeing some revitalization efforts. Walkability is moderate, and public transit is available, but a car is helpful. It's less polished than downtown but offers a more authentic local experience.
Quiet, residential, family-friendly
The West End is a primarily residential area with single-family homes and some apartment complexes. It's quieter and more suburban than downtown. A car is necessary for most errands. It's a good option for those seeking a peaceful environment, but less ideal for those wanting to be in the heart of the action.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $995/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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