2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Dubuque, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in West Des Moines older or younger than people in Dubuque?
- The Median Age in West Des Moines is 1.5 years younger than in Dubuque.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Des Moines or Dubuque?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 35.5% more expensive than Dubuque housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Des Moines or Dubuque?
- The average commute for residents of West Des Moines is 2.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Dubuque.

Things to do in Dubuque?
Dubuque, Iowa is a vibrant and welcoming city located along the Mississippi River. From its bustling downtown to the nearby nature reserves, Dubuque has something for everyone. For those looking to explore the local culture there are plenty of museums, galleries, and monuments around town. Meanwhile outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the area's natural beauty with a hike or bike ride through one of the many trails or parks around. Plus, with its convenient location close to major cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, visitors have easy access for a day trip if desired. With so much to offer, it's no wonder why Dubuque remains a popular destination year-round!

Things to do in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home.

 Dubuque, IAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock67,640329,725,481
 Median Income$58,691  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$208,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.54  Unlock26.38
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

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Over 6 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

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Over 8 years ago

Dubuque, IA is a great town to live   More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 17 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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