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Dubuque vs Chicago

United States vs United States · 260 km apart

Dubuque

United States

$1,246

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Chicago

United States

$1,635

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseDubuqueChicagoCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25$14.40Dubuque
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00$57.60Dubuque
Cappuccino$3.38$4.32Dubuque
Monthly groceries (single person)$255$326Dubuque
Monthly public transport pass$41.25$52.80Dubuque
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109$139Dubuque
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50$40.32Dubuque
Fitness club membership$31.50$40.32Dubuque
Cinema ticket$8.25$10.56Dubuque
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713$971Dubuque
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496$675Dubuque
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488$2,026Dubuque
Total single-person budget$1,246$1,635Dubuque
Average net salary$3,900$4,992

Verdict

Dubuque is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Dubuque runs about $1,246 versus $1,635 in Chicago — a difference of roughly 31%.

Salary-adjusted, Chicago leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Dubuque  ·  Full cost of living in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubuque cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,246 per month in Dubuque versus $1,635 in Chicago — about 31% less.
How far is Dubuque from Chicago?
The straight-line distance between Dubuque and Chicago is approximately 260 km (161 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Dubuque or Chicago?
The estimated average net salary is $3,900 in Dubuque and $4,992 in Chicago. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,654 in Dubuque versus $3,357 in Chicago per month.