2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Dubuque, IA vs San Marcos, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Dubuque?
- San Marcos is 82.4% more expensive than Dubuque.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Dubuque?
- San Marcos housing costs are 319.4% more expensive than Dubuque housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Dubuque or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 15.1% less in San Marcos.
 Dubuque, IASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries96.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing62.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous114.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Dubuque    15 Reviews

I have been here for 3 years. I enjoy it here. I travel all over the country for work. Dubuque is the perfect size of city for me. I was born and raised in the Pacific  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I've lived in Dubuque for over 25 years. Dubuque is not a very good place to live if you are open minded and want to experience new things. Dubuque is an old town with  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Dubuque, IA is a great town to live   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Dubuque

Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.