Portsmouth vs. Davenport: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Portsmouth presents a more favorable environment for those prioritizing quality of life, boasting higher scores in healthcare (86 vs. 86.11), climate comfort (58.47), and lower pollution levels (27.33). It also offers a significantly shorter average commute (16.0 hours annually) compared to Portsmouth's 20.0 hours. However, Portsmouth's overall quality of life index is considerably higher (100) than Davenport's (86.11), reflecting a generally more desirable living environment in terms of health, climate, and pollution.

Davenport, conversely, demonstrates a significantly lower cost of living, particularly concerning housing and transportation. The property price-to-income ratio in Davenport is substantially lower (1.97) than Portsmouth's (4.0). Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is much more affordable ($770.33 vs. $1,438.67), and even 3-bedroom apartments are cheaper ($1,590.67 vs. $2,211.67). Daily expenses like groceries and dining out are also notably cheaper on average in Davenport.

While Davenport offers lower costs, Portsmouth residents generally earn higher salaries ($4,000 gross vs. $3,767). Davenport's economy shows slightly faster growth (2.89% GDP vs. 1.89%) and a higher GDP per capita ($74,600 vs. $54,000), suggesting potentially more job opportunities or economic dynamism, though salaries are slightly lower.

In terms of quality metrics beyond the core indices, Portsmouth performs better in healthcare and climate, while Davenport has a lower pollution score. The trade-off is clear: Portsmouth provides a higher quality of life index but comes at a significantly higher cost, whereas Davenport offers a substantially lower cost of living but a slightly lower quality of life index, particularly in healthcare, climate, and pollution metrics.