Performance
Score Breakdown
Charnwood
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
36% higher compared to Charnwood.
Housing costs are a major driver: Charnwood's average rent is
113% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Charnwood | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $800 | +113% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $1,982 | +36% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Charnwood offers 118% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Charnwood delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Charnwood is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Charnwood | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,300 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 75,053 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $67,090 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Charnwood | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Charnwood.
Charnwood scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Charnwood leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Charnwood | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Charnwood.
From a growth perspective, Charnwood is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Charnwood has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Charnwood | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,055 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.03% | % |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.09% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Charnwood
Advantages
Affordable property prices compared to ACT averages, offering good entry points for buyers.
Strong community-oriented environment with local markets and festivals fostering a sense of belonging.
Proximity to Belconnen Town Centre provides convenient access to shopping, arts, and recreational facilities.
Crime in Charnwood decreased by 100% from 2024 to 2025, with no homicide cases reported in 2025.
Median house prices in Charnwood saw a 5.6% growth from July 2025 to July 2026.
Drawbacks
Limited high-end properties available in the suburb.
Market fluctuations can occur, impacting property values.
Distance from Canberra's CBD means a longer commute for some residents.
Higher rates of break-ins and motor vehicle theft compared to the ACT average in 2022-2024.
Most daily errands require a car, indicating a medium car dependency.
Ponca City
Advantages
The cost of living in Ponca City is 17.4% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, approximately 30.8% less expensive than the national average.
The average commute time is relatively short at 15.7 minutes.
Ponca City has a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries, providing diverse employment opportunities.
The city offers a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Drawbacks
Ponca City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with an overall safety grade of D+.
The city has experienced a slight population decline, with a projected annual rate of -0.02% in 2026.
Employment in Ponca City saw a decline of -0.508% from 2023 to 2024.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is highly car-dependent.
The poverty rate in Ponca City is 17.95%, which is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Charnwood
#1Australian Capital Territory, Australia
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$71,300
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.09%
Livability
74
Business
68
Ponca City
#102Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
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