A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Davenport Iowa National
Cost of living9189100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing7774100
Transportation9997100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9495100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9494100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Davenport, IA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Davenport? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Davenport stands at 91, making it 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Davenport closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Davenport can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Davenport?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 13 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Davenport and this is how they responded. 77% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 23% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Davenport Affordable?

Is Davenport affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Davenport, the median home price is 25.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Davenport boasting a median household income of $79,074, 2.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Davenport?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Davenport, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.4%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Davenport, the housing index is 23.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Davenport are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Davenport is 2% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Davenport is 9% lower than the national average
  • Davenport housing is 23% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Davenport

See all the best places to live around Davenport

Compare Davenport, IA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$106,447$8,871$2,484$3,194
      Renters$47,875$3,990$1,117$1,436
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Davenport, IA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Davenport, homeowners have a median income of $106,447. Using that number, a maximum of $2,484 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $47,875, which means there is a maximum of $1,117 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rock Island Arsenal, IL3661000.2%
      Oak Grove, IL4457821.6%
      Panorama Park, IA2178614.2%
      Stockton, IA1668613.6%
      Carbon Cliff, IL1,9988911.0%
      Davenport, IA105,320919.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chatham-Kent, ON105,414n/a 
      Renton, WA105,17314444.3%
      El Cajon, CA105,48415050.0%
      Sparks, NV105,15512121.4%
      Brantford, ON105,103n/a 
      Davenport, IA105,320919.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.