Davenport vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Davenport	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$69,595	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$199,750	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$124	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	100.0	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	31.5%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

San Antonio vs. Davenport: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Antonio, the vibrant, history-steeped giant of South Texas. On the other, you have Davenport, the sleepy, affordable river town on the Iowa/Illinois border. Choosing between them isn't just about picking a dot on a map; it’s about choosing an entire lifestyle.

As your relocation expert, I’ve dug into the data, crunched the numbers, and felt the vibes. This isn't a fluff piece. This is a no-holds-barred comparison to help you decide where to plant your roots. Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Small-Town Charm

San Antonio is a city that wakes up early and stays up late. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling metropolis of 1.49 million people where the Alamo’s history collides with a booming tech and military economy. The vibe here is fiesta—a blend of Tex-Mex culture, military precision, and a surprisingly laid-back attitude for a city its size. Think: bustling River Walk, world-class food trucks, and a festival for practically every weekend. It’s for the extrovert, the foodie, and anyone who craves endless options.

Davenport, on the other hand, is the definition of "Midwest Nice." With a population of just over 100,000, it’s part of the Quad Cities metro (Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline). Life here moves at a gentler pace. It’s a city of riverfront parks, historic German architecture, and a tight-knit community feel. You’ll find more mom-and-pop shops than big-box chains, and the biggest event of the year might be the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. It’s for the introvert, the nature lover, and anyone who wants to know their neighbors by name.

Who is each city for?

• San Antonio: Young professionals, families seeking culture and diversity, foodies, and military families.
• Davenport: Retirees, remote workers seeking affordability, and families who prefer a quieter, community-focused upbringing.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The first thing you’ll notice? Texas has no state income tax. Illinois, however, has a flat rate of 4.95%. That’s a massive difference right off the bat.

Let’s break down the monthly costs. I’ve used the provided data and factored in typical utility and grocery estimates for a realistic picture.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly)

Category	San Antonio, TX	Davenport, IA/IL	Winner
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$773	Davenport
Utilities (Avg.)	$180 (High A/C)	$150 (Heating)	Davenport
Groceries	$350	$330	Davenport
Total (Approx.)	$1,727	$1,253	Davenport

Salary Wars & The "Sticker Shock" Test:
Let’s say you earn the median income for each city. In San Antonio, that’s $62,322. In Davenport, it’s $69,595.

• San Antonio: Your $62,322 with 0% state tax feels more like $62,322 in your pocket. After estimated federal taxes, you take home roughly $4,200/month. Your living costs are $1,727, leaving you with $2,473 for everything else (car, savings, fun).
• Davenport: Your $69,595 with a 4.95% state tax feels more like $66,100 in your pocket. After federal taxes, your take-home is roughly $4,475/month. Your living costs are $1,253, leaving you with a staggering $3,222 for everything else.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
While San Antonio has no income tax, the sheer difference in housing costs makes Davenport the clear winner for raw purchasing power. In Davenport, your salary goes significantly further. You could afford a nicer apartment, a newer car, and still have more left over for savings or leisure. In San Antonio, you’re paying a premium for the big-city amenities and weather. The "bang for your buck" is undeniable in Iowa/Illinois.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: A Seller’s Market with Options

San Antonio’s housing market is hot, but not scorching. With a median home price of $264,900, it’s more affordable than Austin or Dallas but still represents a significant investment. The market is competitive, with low inventory driving prices up. Renting is a popular option, with a healthy supply of apartments and single-family homes. However, you’ll face competition, and prices are rising steadily.

• Buy: Good for long-term stability. With a median price under $270k, you can still find a decent 3-bedroom home in a safe suburb like Stone Oak or Alamo Ranch. Expect to pay over asking price in the hottest neighborhoods.
• Rent: High demand means landlords can be picky. You’ll find modern amenities, but your $1,197 rent budget gets you a standard 1BR, not luxury.

Davenport: A Buyer’s Paradise

Davenport is a buyer’s market. The median home price of $199,750 is a breath of fresh air. With a population of only 100k, there’s less pressure, and you get a lot more house for your money. Inventory is decent, and you won’t get into bidding wars.

• Buy: This is the smart move in Davenport. For $200k, you can buy a charming, historic home in the Hamburg or McClellan Heights neighborhoods, often with a yard and garage. The barrier to entry is low.
• Rent: The rental market is stable and affordable. For $773, you can find a clean, well-maintained 1BR apartment, often in a quieter complex or a converted historic building.

Housing Verdict: If your goal is to build equity without breaking the bank, Davenport offers a far superior opportunity. San Antonio’s market is solid but requires a larger down payment and more competition.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic is a real beast. With a metro population over 2.5 million, rush hour on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 is a daily grind. Commute times average 25-35 minutes, but can easily hit 45+ during peak times. Owning a car is non-negotiable.
• Davenport: Traffic is virtually non-existent. You can cross town in 10-15 minutes, even during rush hour. The Quad Cities have a simple highway system (I-80, I-74, I-280) that’s easy to navigate. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.

Weather: Brutal Heat vs. Brutal Cold

• San Antonio: Get ready for the heat. Summers are long, with temperatures consistently hitting 95°F+ from June through September. High humidity makes it feel even hotter. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate the cold, this is your place—but you must love the sun and A/C.
• Davenport: Welcome to the Midwest. Winters are harsh, with an average low of 27°F in January and significant snowfall. Summers are warm and humid but generally more pleasant than Texas. You’ll experience all four seasons dramatically. If you hate shoveling snow, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety: The Hard Truth

Let’s be honest. Safety is a top concern for everyone.

• San Antonio: The violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are very safe (especially the suburbs), you must do your research. Property crime is also a concern.
• Davenport: The violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100,000 people. While lower than San Antonio, it’s still above the national average. Like any city, there are safer and less-safe pockets. However, the overall feel is much safer and more community-oriented.

Safety Verdict: Davenport is statistically safer, but both cities require neighborhood-specific research. San Antonio’s higher rate is a direct trade-off for its size and amenities.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the daily realities, here’s the final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Davenport

Why: The math is simple. For a family of four, the lower cost of living, affordable housing ($199k median home), and safer environment make Davenport a powerhouse. Your $100k salary here provides a lifestyle that would require $140k+ in San Antonio. You can buy a home with a yard, be involved in a tight-knit school district, and enjoy a slower pace of life. The weather is a con, but for many families, financial security and community outweigh the snow.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why: While Davenport wins on pure purchasing power, San Antonio offers the intangible "big city" energy that many young professionals crave. The job market is more diverse (tech, healthcare, military, tourism), the social and dating scene is vibrant, and the food/nightlife is world-class. The trade-off is higher rent and more competition, but for the right personality, the cultural wealth is worth the cost.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Davenport

Why: This is a landslide victory. Davenport offers low-cost living, a peaceful environment, and a slower pace perfect for retirement. The median home price is a fraction of national averages, allowing retirees to downsize and cash out. The community is welcoming, and while the winters are cold, many retirees from the Midwest are prepared for it. San Antonio’s heat and humidity can be brutal for older adults, and the higher costs can strain a fixed income.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Antonio

• Pros:
  • No state income tax.
  • Vibrant culture, food, and history.
  • Strong job market in multiple sectors.
  • Mild winters.
  • Massive population = endless things to do.
• Cons:
  • High violent crime rate.
  • Brutal summer heat and humidity.
  • Heavy traffic and long commutes.
  • Higher cost of living, especially rent.
  • Competitive housing market.

Davenport

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable cost of living.
  • Low home prices ($199,750 median).
  • Minimal traffic and easy commutes.
  • Statistically safer.
  • Strong sense of community.
• Cons:
  • Harsh, snowy winters.
  • Smaller population = fewer amenities/options.
  • Lower median income ($69,595 vs. national average).
  • State income tax.
  • Less diverse job market.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t a battle of "good vs. bad." It’s a battle of lifestyle priorities.

Choose San Antonio if you value cultural vibrancy, career opportunities in a major metro, and can handle the heat (and the higher price tag). It’s a city that rewards the ambitious and the adventurous.

Choose Davenport if you value financial freedom, a slower pace, and a strong community. It’s a city that rewards pragmatists, nature lovers, and anyone looking to stretch a dollar to its absolute limit.

Run your own numbers. Visit if you can. And remember—the best city is the one that feels like home to you.