City Comparison
Bettendorf vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bettendorf scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bettendorf
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Bettendorf.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bettendorf's average rent is
42% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $950 | +42% |
| Groceries | $380 | $342 | +11% |
| Utilities | $170 | $295 | -42% |
| Transport | $110 | $180 | -39% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $200 | +10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,230 | $1,967 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bettendorf is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,913 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $91,500 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Bettendorf runs warmer on average — a 52.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bettendorf comes out ahead with 270 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bettendorf sees 20.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Bettendorf.
From a growth perspective, Bettendorf is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bettendorf has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bettendorf | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,200 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bettendorf
Advantages
Violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average per FBI crime data.
Median household income of over $90,000 provides strong purchasing power relative to the local cost of living.
Top-ranked Bettendorf Community School District consistently scores high in state academic evaluations.
Extensive recreational trail system along the Mississippi River enhances daily outdoor lifestyle.
Proximity to the Quad Cities metro area offers big-city amenities with a small-town suburban feel.
Drawbacks
Property tax rates in Iowa are relatively high compared to national averages.
Car dependency is high, with limited public transit options for daily commuting.
Winters feature significant snowfall (20.5 inches annually) and cold temperatures requiring winterization.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within city limits compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Housing inventory for first-time buyers can be tight during peak real estate seasons.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bettendorf
#58Iowa, USA
70.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
52.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
79
Business
70
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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