📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Davenport and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Davenport vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Davenport | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $69,595 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $199,750 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $124 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.9 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 456.0 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.5% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Davenport: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
By: The Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one path, the sun-drenched, surf-chic streets of San Diego. On the other, the heartland charm and budget-friendly vibes of Davenport, Iowa. This isn't just a choice between a coast and a cornfield; it’s a decision about how you want to live, work, and spend your hard-earned cash.
Let’s cut through the noise. We're going to break down this showdown with hard data, real-world insights, and an unfiltered opinion on which city wins in each category. Grab your coffee, and let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Diego is the epitome of California cool. The vibe is "active, relaxed, and outdoorsy." Think craft breweries in North Park, morning surf sessions in Pacific Beach, and sunset hikes in Torrey Pines. It’s a massive, diverse metro with a strong military presence and a booming biotech scene. The culture is built around the ocean, the weather, and a "work to live" mentality. It’s for the person who wants their weekends to involve a kayak or a taco truck, not lawn mowing.
Davenport is the quintessential Midwestern river town. Part of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, Bettendorf), it’s grounded, community-focused, and moves at a slower pace. The Mississippi River is the centerpiece, and life revolves around local festivals, riverfront parks, and genuine neighborly connections. It’s less about trendsetting and more about authenticity. This is for the person who values a strong sense of place, affordability, and a tight-knit community over coastal glamour.
- San Diego is for: The outdoor enthusiast, the young professional chasing a vibrant social scene, the retiree who dreams of perfect weather year-round.
- Davenport is for: The budget-conscious family, the remote worker seeking a low-cost base, the retiree whose fixed income needs to stretch further.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. The "sticker shock" moving from Davenport to San Diego is real, and we need to talk about purchasing power.
Let's look at the numbers side-by-side:
| Category | San Diego | Davenport | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $105,780 | $69,595 | San Diego |
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $199,750 | Davenport |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $773 | Davenport |
| Housing Index (Nat'l Avg=100) | 185.8 | 100.0 | Davenport |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
At first glance, San Diego's $105,780 median income looks like a massive win. But in the world of relocation, it's not what you earn; it's what you keep and what it buys.
The California Tax Hit: California has a progressive income tax system. On a $105,780 salary, you're paying roughly 9.3% in state income tax. That's an immediate chunk of change gone. In contrast, Iowa also has a state income tax, but it's a flat rate of 3.9% for most middle-class earners. More importantly, Texas (right next door to Iowa) is a 0% state income tax haven. Many Quad Cities residents work in Illinois or Iowa but live in Illinois, benefiting from different tax structures. The point is: your paycheck stretches further in the Midwest.
The Housing Sledgehammer: Let's do the math. In San Diego, the median home price is $930,000. With a 20% down payment ($186,000), you're financing $744,000. At a current national average mortgage rate of ~7%, your monthly principal and interest payment alone would be roughly $4,950. That's before property taxes and insurance.
In Davenport, the median home price is $199,750. A 20% down payment ($39,950) finances $159,800. At the same 7% rate, your monthly payment is about $1,063.
The Verdict: Even earning $36,000 less in Davenport, your housing costs are over 75% lower. This is the "bang for your buck" factor. In San Diego, you're likely spending 40-50% of your take-home pay on housing. In Davenport, you could spend 20-25%, freeing up cash for travel, savings, or fun.
Insight: If you earn a San Diego salary but work remotely in Davenport, you're living like royalty. If you have to take a local Davenport salary, your lifestyle is still more financially sustainable.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: It is a perennial seller's market. Inventory is chronically low, competition is fierce, and bidding wars are common, especially at the entry-level. Renting is the default for most young professionals and even many families. The barrier to entry for homeownership is astronomical. You're not just buying a home; you're buying into a lifestyle that comes with a $930,000 price tag.
Davenport: This is a buyer's market. The median home price is accessible, and inventory, while not overflowing, is reasonable. You can find a solid, older home with character for under $200k or a newer suburban build for $250k-$300k. Renting is easy and cheap, making it a fantastic place to save for a down payment. The competition is minimal. You have time to decide, and you can often negotiate.
The Dealbreaker: In San Diego, you're competing with all-cash offers from investors and wealthy buyers. In Davenport, you're competing with... maybe your neighbor. The stress level is worlds apart.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: The commute is a major pain point. The I-5, I-805, and SR-163 are notorious parking lots during rush hour. The average commute time is 27 minutes, but it can easily double. Public transit (trolley/bus) is limited in scope and not always efficient. Car ownership is non-negotiable.
- Davenport: Traffic is a relative concept here. A "bad" commute might add 5-10 minutes to your trip. The interstate system is simple, and getting across town is a breeze. You can live in a suburb and have a stress-free 15-minute drive to work.
Weather
- San Diego: The weather is its #1 selling point. It's not just warm; it's consistently perfect. The data shows an average low of 57°F, but that's misleading. Summer highs are in the 70s-80s, and winter lows rarely dip below 50°F. It's dry, sunny, and comfortable. Winner: San Diego, by a landslide.
- Davenport: Welcome to the continental climate. The data shows an average low of 27°F, but that's the winter. Summers are humid and hot, often hitting 90°F with oppressive humidity. Winters bring freezing temps, snow, and icy roads. The seasons are beautiful but extreme. Loser: Davenport (if you hate winter).
Crime & Safety
This is a crucial, honest point. Both cities have areas to avoid, but the stats tell a story.
- San Diego: Violent crime rate of 378.0 per 100k residents. This is above the national average but is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. The city's vast size means safety varies dramatically from La Jolla to parts of Southeast San Diego. For most residents in established areas, it feels relatively safe.
- Davenport: Violent crime rate of 456.0 per 100k residents. This is notably higher than San Diego's and significantly above the national average. It's a sobering statistic for a smaller Midwest city. Crime is not just an urban core issue; it can be more widespread. Safety is a major concern here, and it's a potential dealbreaker for families.
The Verdict on Safety: Despite a higher raw number, San Diego's crime is more predictable and localized. Davenport's rate is a red flag that requires serious research into specific neighborhoods. San Diego wins on safety perception and statistics.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the cold, hard cash, here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Davenport
Why? The math is undeniable. For a family of four, the $199,750 home price is life-changing. You can get a 3-4 bedroom house with a yard for what a studio apartment costs in San Diego. The public schools in the suburbs (like Bettendorf or Pleasant Valley) are excellent. The trade-off? You'll need to be vigilant about safety, research neighborhoods thoroughly, and endure the brutal winters. If you can handle the cold and find a safe community, Davenport offers a stable, affordable life that's nearly impossible in San Diego.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Diego
Why? For this demographic, the vibe, social scene, and career opportunities trump cost. The median income of $105,780 supports a vibrant lifestyle of networking, dining out, and exploring. The weather encourages an active social life year-round. While you'll likely be renting and feeling financial pressure, you're buying into an experience. Davenport, while affordable, can feel isolating for a young single person without a built-in community.
Winner for Retirees: It's a Tie (Based on Priorities)
- Choose San Diego if: Your retirement savings are robust. You value perfect weather, outdoor activities, and access to world-class healthcare and cultural amenities. The high cost is manageable if you've planned for it.
- Choose Davenport if: You're on a fixed income (like Social Security). The $773 rent and $199,750 home prices mean your nest egg lasts much, much longer. The slower pace and community focus are appealing, but you must be prepared for winter and the healthcare access might be more regional than world-class.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
San Diego
Pros:
- World-Class Weather: Year-round perfection.
- Vibrant Culture & Nightlife: Endless things to do, see, and eat.
- Strong Job Market: Especially in biotech, military, and tech.
- Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, mountains, deserts all within reach.
- Lower Violent Crime Rate: Statistically safer.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Housing is a financial nightmare.
- High Taxes: California state income tax takes a big bite.
- Traffic & Congestion: Commutes can be soul-crushing.
- Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is a brutal fight.
- Population Density: It's a big, busy city.
Davenport
Pros:
- Extremely Affordable: Low home prices and rent.
- Lower Taxes: More of your paycheck stays in your pocket.
- Easy Commutes: Short drives, minimal traffic.
- Tight-Knit Community: Genuine Midwestern friendliness.
- Buying Power: Your salary goes much, much further.
Cons:
- Higher Violent Crime Rate: A significant safety concern.
- Harsh Winters: Long, cold, snowy seasons.
- Limited Social Scene: For young singles, it can feel stagnant.
- Geographic Isolation: Far from major coastal hubs or mountains.
- Fewer High-Paying Jobs: Local salaries are lower.
The Bottom Line: This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is better for you. If you're chasing dreams, energy, and are willing to pay a premium for weather and lifestyle, San Diego is your siren call. If you're building a foundation, prioritizing financial freedom, and value community over coastlines, Davenport offers a compelling, sustainable alternative. Choose wisely.