Performance
Score Breakdown
Culiacán
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Culiacán is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
56% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Culiacán's average rent is
51% lower than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Culiacán | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $393 | $800 | -51% |
| Groceries | $253 | $649 | -61% |
| Utilities | $58 | $208 | -72% |
| Transport | $14 | $186 | -92% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $139 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $868 | $1,982 | -56% |
| Cost Index | 31 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 98% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ponca City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Culiacán is estimated at
$1,087 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Culiacán | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $748 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $1,087 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 2,413 idx | 39,402 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Culiacán | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Culiacán.
Culiacán scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Culiacán leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Culiacán | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 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 | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Culiacán is the larger city
— approximately 37.2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Culiacán is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Culiacán has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Culiacán | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 900,192 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.81% | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | |
| Unemployment | 2.59% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Culiacán
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with expenses for housing, food, and transportation significantly lower than national and international averages.
Strong agricultural economy providing numerous jobs in farming, processing, and logistics.
Distinctive Sinaloan culture with vibrant music, cuisine, and traditions.
Growing job market with a 2.5% monthly employment growth rate in Sinaloa as of February 2024.
Significant FDI in Sinaloa, reaching US$316 million in 2024, indicating economic investment.
Drawbacks
Complex safety situation often linked to organized crime, impacting daily life and business.
High car dependency and traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Limited walkability in many areas, necessitating reliance on private transportation.
Economic challenges including a significant informal economy and impacts from security concerns.
Perception of safety can be a concern for residents and potential visitors due to the city's association with narco culture.
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.
Culiacán
#10Sinaloa, Mexico
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$393
Avg Salary
$748
Cost Index
31
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.81%
Unemployment
2.59%
Livability
74
Business
68
Ponca City
#127Oklahoma, 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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