Davenport, IA Salary Guide: The Real Net Pay on a $100k Salary

In the Quad Cities, the gap between your gross salary and your actual bank balance is significant. If you are negotiating a package or relocating to Davenport, you need to look past the "six-figure" headline. This guide breaks down the raw math of $100,000 in Iowa, giving you the purchasing power data you actually need.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s cut the noise. You signed an offer letter for $100,000. Here is the brutal reality of what vanishes before that money ever hits your checking account.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (IA): -$4,500
• Take Home Pay: $74,236

The Analysis:
You are retaining 74.2% of your earnings. In Davenport, you lose roughly $2,146 per month to taxes. While Iowa has made headlines for cutting state income tax rates to a flat 3.8% (and eventually 3.65%), the combined burden of Federal and FICA still strips nearly $26k off the top. However, without a local city income tax—unlike cities in neighboring Illinois—Davenport saves you roughly $1,200 to $1,500 annually compared to crossing the river.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net income of $6,186, Davenport offers significant leverage. Following the 50/30/20 rule, here is how your life looks in the Quad Cities.

Needs ($3,093/mo)

This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Rent Reality: In Davenport, $3,093 is luxury territory. The median rent for a 1-bedroom hovers around $850–$1,000. Even a high-end unit at $1,400 leaves you with over $1,600 for utilities, car insurance, and food. You are not "house poor" here; you have significant breathing room for basic survival.

Wants ($1,856/mo)

This is your discretionary spending—dining out, entertainment, and hobbies.

• Purchasing Power: $1,856 goes a long way in the Midwest. This covers frequent dining at spots like Duck City Bistro, a downtown gym membership, streaming services, and weekend trips. You can live a "big city" lifestyle without the financial strain.

Savings ($1,237/mo)

This is your wealth builder.

• Wealth Creation: Saving $1,237 monthly puts you on a path to maxing out a Roth IRA ($6,500/year) or aggressively funding a brokerage account. Over 10 years at a 7% return, this monthly contribution grows to over $210,000 without employer matching. In Davenport, $100k isn't just living wage; it's a wealth-building salary.

Davenport Taxes vs. The Competition

To understand Davenport’s value, you have to compare it to the tax-heavy markets nearby.

• Vs. New York City: A $100k salary in NYC (with city tax) nets you roughly $67,500. Davenport keeps you $6,736 richer annually.
• Vs. Chicago, IL: Illinois has a flat 4.95% state tax, and Chicago has a city tax. You would take home roughly $71,000 in Chicago. Davenport saves you $3,236 annually.
• Vs. Austin, TX: Texas has no state income tax. An Austin salary of $100k nets roughly $78,500. Austin keeps you $4,264 richer than Davenport.

The Verdict: While Texas has the tax advantage, Davenport’s cost of living (specifically housing) is significantly lower than Austin, often neutralizing the tax difference on a cost-of-living adjusted basis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Davenport?
A: Your total tax burden is a combination of rates. For a $100k earner, the effective rates are: Federal (13.6%), FICA (7.65%), and Iowa State (4.5%). Iowa's state rate is transitioning to a flat 3.65% in coming years, which will increase your net pay further.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Davenport?
A: Yes. It is a top-tier salary for the area. The median household income in Davenport is roughly $60,000. Earning $100k puts you in a position to afford a median-priced home, save 20% of your income, and live comfortably without strict budgeting.

Q: Does Davenport have a local city tax?
A: No. Davenport does not levy a local city income tax on residents. This is a major financial advantage over neighboring cities in Illinois (like Moline or East Moline) or states with local tax ordinances (like Ohio or Pennsylvania).

• Methodology & Sources: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Brackets (Single Filer, Standard Deduction), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and Iowa State Revenue Department 2024 Tax Tables. Cost of living data cross-referenced with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index and State Comptroller reports.