Skip to content
AffordMap
Home Affordability

Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Dubuque?

The estimated median home in Dubuque costs $305,550. To afford it at current mortgage rates with 20% down, you need a household income of about $85,929/year. Your monthly payment would be around $2,005, including taxes and insurance.

Based on national median home values adjusted by Dubuque’s Regional Price Parity (87.3). Current 30-year fixed rate: ~6.8%. Methodology

$306K
Estimated median price
$2,005
Monthly payment (20% down)
$86K
Salary needed
$61K
Down payment (20%)

Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more

See what mortgage you qualify for
Compare rates from multiple lenders in 2 minutes
Get started

Monthly payment breakdown

$305,550 home, 20% down, 6.8% rate, 30-year fixed

Principal & interest$1,594/mo
Property tax (est. 1.1%)$280/mo
Homeowners insurance$131/mo
Total monthly (20% down)$2,005/mo
Add PMI if 5% down+$121/mo

Rent vs. buy in Dubuque

Renting
$1,077/mo
Median 2BR (HUD FMR)
Buying
$2,005/mo
Median home (20% down)

Buying costs $928/mo more than renting, but you build equity. Over 5 years at current appreciation rates, homeowners in similar markets have gained significant equity.

What can you afford in Dubuque?

Home price you can afford at each salary level (28% DTI, 20% down)

SalaryHome you can affordMonthly payment
$50K$145K$2,005
$75K$257K$2,005
$100K$369K$2,005
$125K$480K$2,005
$150K$592K$2,005
$200K$816K$2,005

Based on 28% front-end DTI ratio, 20% down payment, 6.8% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, ~$150/mo insurance.

Can common careers afford a home in Dubuque?

Local median salary vs. the $86K needed to buy

Needs $36K more
Needs $40K more
Needs $57K more
Needs $57K more
✓ Can afford $312K
Stretch — 34% of income
Cashiers$29K/yr
Needs $57K more
Browse homes for sale in Dubuque
Filter by your price range
View
Already own? Check refinance rates
Could save hundreds per month
View
Talk to a financial advisor
Get matched free — is buying right for you?
View
Tap your home equity
Compare HELOC rates from top lenders
View

Frequently asked questions

What salary do I need to buy a home in Dubuque?

To comfortably afford the estimated median home ($305,550) in Dubuque with a 20% down payment and current mortgage rates, you need a household income of about $85,929. That keeps your housing costs at or below 28% of your gross income, which is the standard lender guideline.

How much does a house cost in Dubuque?

The estimated median home price in the Dubuque, IA metro area is $305,550, based on the national median adjusted for local cost of living (RPP of 87.3). Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A 20% down payment would be $61,110, or $15,278 at 5% down.

What would my monthly mortgage be in Dubuque?

On a $305,550 home with 20% down at current rates, your estimated monthly payment would be $2,005 including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance. With only 5% down, add about $121/mo for PMI.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dubuque?

Median 2-bedroom rent in Dubuque is $1,077/mo (HUD Fair Market Rent). The estimated mortgage payment on the median home is $2,005/mo. Buying is significantly more expensive monthly, though you build equity.

Related pages