Oklahoma City vs Davenport

Category / Metric	Oklahoma City	Davenport
Financial Overview
Median Income	$67,015	$69,595
Unemployment Rate	3%	3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$269,000	$178,500
Price per SqFt	$160	$124
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$884	$773
Housing Cost Index	78.1	100.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.2	94.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	748.0	456.0
Bachelor's Degree+	37%	32%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	34

Here is the showdown between Oklahoma City and Davenport.

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The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Oklahoma City vs. Davenport

When you’re packing up your life and looking for a fresh start, the choice often boils down to two very different vibes: the sprawling, sun-baked metropolis or the tight-knit Midwestern hub. Today, we’re pitting the Big Friendly against the Quad Cities’ anchor in a battle for your relocation dollars. Are you looking for the energy of a state capital or the affordability of a river town?

Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data, the dollars, and the day-to-day reality of living in these two cities.

The Vibe Check

Oklahoma City (OKC) is the definition of a boomtown. With a population over 700,000, it’s the beating heart of a rapidly growing state. The culture here is a mix of cowboy grit, modern innovation, and a surprising amount of green space thanks to the massive "MAPS" projects that have revitalized the downtown core. It’s a city for the go-getter who wants big-city amenities—major league sports, a thriving arts district, and a booming food scene—without the coastal price tag. It’s for the family that wants a backyard, the young professional seeking opportunity, and the retiree who wants mild winters and plenty of entertainment.

Davenport, on the other hand, is the larger anchor of the Quad Cities (a cluster of five cities straddling the Iowa/Illinois border). With a population of just over 100,000, it offers a more intimate, community-focused lifestyle. Life here revolves around the mighty Mississippi River, with riverfront parks, historic districts, and a slower, more deliberate pace. It’s a city for those who value a strong sense of place, tight-knit neighborhoods, and easy access to nature. It’s for the family that wants a safe, quiet community, the remote worker seeking affordability, and the retiree who prefers four distinct seasons over year-round heat.

Who is it for?

• OKC: The ambitious, the social butterflies, and those who crave variety.
• Davenport: The homebodies, the nature lovers, and those who prioritize community and quiet.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just looking at the price tag; we’re looking at purchasing power. Let’s break down the cost of living.

Cost of Living Comparison (Table)

Cost Category	Oklahoma City	Davenport	The Winner
Median Rent (1BR)	$884	$773	Davenport
Utilities (Monthly)	~$180	~$160	Davenport
Groceries	Index: 94.4	Index: 92.1	Davenport
Housing Index	78.1	100.0	Oklahoma City

Note: Housing Index is a baseline where 100 = National Average. A lower score means cheaper housing.

The Salary Wars:
Both cities have nearly identical median incomes—OKC at $67,015 and Davenport at $69,595. If you earn $100,000 in either city, you’re doing well above average. But where does that six-figure salary feel like seven figures?

Oklahoma City wins on the Housing Index. At 78.1, housing is over 20% cheaper than the national average. A median-priced home here costs $269,000. Davenport’s Housing Index is 100.0, right at the national average, but its median home price is significantly lower at $199,750. This is a critical point: Davenport’s lower home price isn’t because housing is cheaper nationally; it’s because the local market is less inflated.

The Tax Angle: This is a massive dealbreaker. Oklahoma has a progressive income tax ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. Iowa has a progressive income tax currently being phased down, but it sits at 3.9% for most middle earners (and is dropping to a flat 3.9% by 2025). For a $100,000 earner, that’s roughly $4,750 in state income tax in OKC vs. $3,900 in Davenport. However, Oklahoma has higher property taxes and sales tax, while Iowa has lower property taxes but a higher sales tax.

Verdict: For pure housing affordability, Davenport’s $199k median home is a steal. But for overall purchasing power and lower tax burden on income, OKC’s lower housing index gives it a slight edge for high earners.

THE VERDICT: THE DOLLAR
Winner: Davenport.
While OKC’s housing index is lower, Davenport’s combination of a lower median home price, cheaper rent, and lower state income tax for the average earner makes it the clear winner for stretching your paycheck.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Oklahoma City is a buyer’s market. With a housing index of 78.1, inventory is relatively healthy, and prices are stable. You’ll find more new construction and a wider variety of home styles, from historic bungalows to sprawling suburban ranches. Renting is also a solid option, with a median of $884 for a 1BR, but the real value is in buying.

Davenport is a balanced market, leaning slightly toward a buyer’s market. The median home price of $199,750 is incredibly attractive. You get more house for your money here—often historic homes with character or newer builds on larger lots. The competition isn’t as fierce as in major metros, so you won’t get into bidding wars. Renting is even cheaper, at $773, making it a fantastic spot for those not ready to commit to a mortgage.

The Bottom Line: If you’re looking to buy, Davenport offers unbeatable value. If you’re looking for a wider selection of homes and newer builds, OKC has the edge.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• OKC: As a sprawling metro, traffic can be a beast during rush hour. The average commute is around 22 minutes, but you’ll spend more time in the car. Public transit is limited.
• Davenport: Traffic is virtually non-existent. The average commute is a breezy 18 minutes. The city is easy to navigate, and you’re never far from anything.

Weather:

• OKC: Be ready for heat. The average temperature is 48°F, but that’s a yearly average. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing for long) but can bring ice storms.
• Davenport: True four seasons. The average temp is a chilly 27°F, reflecting cold winters (snow is common) and hot, humid summers. If you hate shoveling snow, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most critical data point.

• OKC: The violent crime rate is 748.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a real concern and varies drastically by zip code.
• Davenport: The violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100k. While still above the national average, it’s notably lower than OKC’s. The smaller, more community-oriented nature of the city contributes to this.

THE VERDICT: SAFETY
Winner: Davenport.
The data is clear. Davenport’s violent crime rate is 39% lower than Oklahoma City’s. If safety is your top priority, Davenport is the statistically safer choice.

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The Final Verdict

So, which city should you call home? The data tells a compelling story, but the right choice depends entirely on your priorities.

Winner for Families:
Davenport. The lower crime rate (456/100k vs. 748/100k), affordable housing ($199k median home), and strong community feel make it a safer, more stable environment for raising kids. The access to parks and the riverfront is a bonus.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals:
Oklahoma City. The larger population (702k), more diverse job market, and vibrant nightlife and social scenes offer more opportunities for networking and entertainment. The energy of a growing capital city is hard to beat.

Winner for Retirees:
Davenport. The lower cost of living, milder pace of life, and four distinct seasons (if you enjoy them) are ideal. It’s also safer and more walkable. OKC’s heat can be a burden for older residents.

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Pros & Cons at a Glance

Oklahoma City

Pros:

• Larger Metro Amenities: Pro sports, major concerts, diverse dining.
• Strong Housing Value: Housing Index of 78.1 is very low.
• Milder Winters: Less snow and ice to deal with.
• Growing Economy: Job opportunities in energy, aerospace, and tech.

Cons:

• Higher Crime: Violent crime rate of 748.0/100k is a serious concern.
• Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be brutal and last for months.
• Car-Dependent: Sprawl means you need a car for everything.
• Higher State Income Tax: Up to 4.75%.

Davenport

Pros:

• Affordability: Median home price of $199,750 is a massive value.
• Lower Crime: Safer than OKC by a significant margin.
• Community Feel: Tight-knit, neighborly atmosphere.
• Riverfront Living: Beautiful parks, trails, and recreation.

Cons:

• Colder Winters: Regular snow and sub-freezing temps (27°F avg).
• Smaller Job Market: Fewer large employers and industries.
• Limited Nightlife: Quieter social scene compared to a major city.
• Isolation: Farther from other major metros (Chicago, Minneapolis).

The Final Call: If your priority is safety, community, and stretching your dollar to buy a home, Davenport is the undeniable winner. If you prioritize career opportunities, big-city energy, and a milder winter, Oklahoma City is your battleground. Choose wisely.