Davenport vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Davenport	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$69,595	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$199,750	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$124	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	100.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	31.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Davenport: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're staring at two starkly different American cities: Philadelphia, the gritty, historic, and massive East Coast powerhouse, and Davenport, the quiet, affordable, and scenic river town in the heart of the Midwest. This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two completely different lifestyles. One is a fast-paced, high-stakes marathon; the other is a serene, wide-open bike ride. As your relocation expert and data journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and am here to give you the unfiltered truth. Grab a coffee—let's figure out which city is your next home.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. River Town Charm

Philadelphia is a city of contrasts. It’s the birthplace of American democracy with cobblestone streets in Old City, but it’s also a modern metropolis with a booming tech scene in University City and a world-class food scene. The energy is palpable—subways rumble, people walk fast, and the city buzzes with a relentless, creative hustle. It’s for the ambitious, the history buff, the foodie, and anyone who craves the energy of a major metro without the astronomical price tag of NYC or D.C. You’re never bored here, but you have to have a bit of grit to handle the noise and the pace.

Davenport, on the other hand, is the definition of Midwestern laid-back. Nestled on the Mississippi River, it’s part of the Quad Cities (with Rock Island, Moline, and Bettendorf). The vibe is friendly, unpretentious, and deeply connected to nature. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. You’ll find more parks than skyscrapers, more community festivals than black-tie galas. It’s ideal for families seeking space and safety, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the coastal grind for a more grounded, affordable lifestyle. It’s not about the hustle; it’s about balance.

Verdict: If you live for the 24/7 pulse of a major city, Philadelphia wins. If you crave peace, space, and a tight-knit community feel, Davenport is your spot.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Feels Bigger

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash. The sticker shock of Philadelphia is real, but Davenport’s affordability is on another level.

Category	Philadelphia	Davenport	The Takeaway
Median Income	$60,302	$69,595	Davenport residents earn 15% more on paper.
Median Home Price	$270,375	$199,750	Philly homes are 35% more expensive.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$773	Philly rent is nearly double Davenport's.
Housing Index	117.8	100.0	Philly's market is 17.8% above the national average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: Here’s the math that matters. Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Philadelphia, after state income tax (3.07%) and city wage tax (~3.8% for residents), you’re taking home roughly $73,000. Your rent of $1,451 eats up 24% of your take-home pay. In Davenport, with Iowa’s progressive income tax (top rate ~6.5%), you’d take home about $70,000. But your rent is only $773—just 13% of your take-home. That’s a massive difference.

The data tells a clear story: While Davenport’s median income is higher, its cost of living is drastically lower. You get more square footage, a lower mortgage payment, and more disposable income for hobbies, travel, and savings. In Philadelphia, you’re paying for access, history, and prestige. You get a bigger bang for your buck in Davenport, period.

Insight on Taxes: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax, but Philadelphia’s city wage tax is a unique and significant hit on your paycheck. Iowa has a more traditional state tax, but with no major city wage tax, the overall burden is often lighter for middle-income earners. For high-income earners, the disparity can be even more pronounced.

Verdict: For raw purchasing power and financial breathing room, Davenport is the undisputed champion. Your salary stretches further here.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The market is competitive. With a Housing Index of 117.8, it’s a seller’s market, though not as overheated as Boston or San Francisco. Inventory is tight, especially for single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital. Renting is the norm for many young professionals, and the rental market is robust but expensive. Buying is a significant investment, but values have historical stability and long-term appreciation potential due to the city’s economic anchors (healthcare, education, pharma). The $270,375 median price is deceptive; it includes a wide range from fixer-upers in up-and-coming areas to multi-million dollar homes in Society Hill.

Davenport: This is a buyer’s market. With a Housing Index of 100.0, it sits right at the national average. The median home price of $199,750 is accessible, and inventory is generally better. You can get a spacious, older home with a large yard for the price of a small condo in Philly. Renting is very affordable, but the rental market is smaller. The long-term play here is stability rather than explosive appreciation. It’s a fantastic market for first-time homebuyers and those looking to build equity without breaking the bank.

Verdict: For buying, Davenport offers incredible value and accessibility. For renting, both are options, but Philadelphia’s rental scene is more vibrant (and pricey).

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: Public transit is a mixed bag. The SEPTA system (subways, buses, regional rail) is extensive but often plagued by delays and reliability issues. Driving in the city is a nightmare—narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and expensive parking ($300-$500/month in Center City). Commute times can be long and stressful.
Davenport: This is a car city. Public transit exists but is limited. Traffic jams are rare, and commuting is generally a breeze. You can get across town in under 20 minutes. The trade-off is the lack of walkability in most neighborhoods.
Winner: Davenport for stress-free, predictable commutes.

Weather

Philadelphia: Has a true four-season climate. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters can be cold and snowy (average 27°F in winter), and spring/fall are beautiful. You’ll experience all the seasons.
Davenport: Also four-season, but with more extremes. Winters are brutally cold and windy (the 27°F average doesn’t tell the whole story of the wind chill off the Mississippi). Summers are hot and humid. It’s a classic Midwest climate.
Verdict: A toss-up. Philly has milder winters but more humidity. Davenport has harsher winters but beautiful river views in the fall. It comes down to your tolerance for cold.

Crime & Safety

This is the most sensitive category, and the data is stark. Using the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, we look at violent crime rates per 100,000 people.

• Philadelphia: 726.5 violent crimes per 100k. This is a major East Coast city, and like all major metros, it has significant crime challenges. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others have serious issues.
• Davenport: 456.0 violent crimes per 100k. This is notably lower than Philadelphia, but still above the national average (~380 per 100k). It’s a mid-sized city with its own crime issues, but statistically safer than Philly.
  Honesty Check: No city is perfectly safe. Philadelphia’s crime rate is high, and you must be vigilant. Davenport’s rate is better but not idyllic. For families, the lower rate and more suburban feel of Davenport’s surrounding areas (like Bettendorf) are a major draw.
  Winner: Davenport by the numbers, but with the caveat that neighborhood choice in Philly is everything.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After digging into the data and the soul of each city, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Davenport

The math is undeniable. Lower crime, more affordable housing ($199,750 vs. $270,375), bigger yards, and less stressful commutes. The Quad Cities area has strong public schools (especially in the suburbs like Bettendorf), and there’s a strong sense of community. You can provide a spacious, safe, and financially stable upbringing for your kids without the constant pressure of a major city.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

If your career is a priority and you thrive on networking, culture, and nightlife, Philadelphia is the clear choice. The job market is larger and more diverse, with powerhouse industries in healthcare, education, and tech. The social scene is unmatched, with endless restaurants, bars, and cultural events. Yes, it’s more expensive, but the energy, opportunities, and sheer volume of things to do are worth the premium for the right person.

Winner for Retirees: Davenport

This was a closer call, but Davenport’s affordability and slower pace clinch it. Retirees on a fixed income will find their Social Security and pensions stretch much further. The city is walkable in certain areas, has a lower overall tax burden (no Social Security tax in Iowa), and offers a peaceful, scenic environment. Philadelphia has world-class healthcare, which is a huge plus, but the city’s noise, pace, and higher costs can be overwhelming for those seeking a relaxed retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

• Pros:
  • World-class arts, culture, and food scene.
  • Major job market in diverse industries.
  • Excellent universities and hospitals.
  • Walkable neighborhoods and robust public transit (flaws and all).
  • Rich, tangible history around every corner.
• Cons:
  • High cost of living, especially housing.
  • City wage tax eats into your paycheck.
  • Traffic and parking are a constant headache.
  • Violent crime is a significant concern in many areas.
  • Harsh, humid summers and cold winters.

Davenport

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable cost of living.
  • Higher median income relative to costs.
  • Lower crime rate than Philly.
  • Easy commutes and minimal traffic.
  • Beautiful riverfront, parks, and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly, community-oriented vibe.
• Cons:
  • Limited cultural and nightlife options compared to a major city.
  • Economy is smaller and less diverse.
  • Car-dependent; poor public transit.
  • Extreme Midwest winters with harsh wind chills.
  • Can feel isolated or "too quiet" for some.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you’re chasing career ambition and urban energy, and can afford the premium. Choose Davenport if you value financial freedom, space, safety, and a slower, more grounded pace of life. There’s no wrong answer—only the right fit for your next chapter.