Performance
Score Breakdown
Keene
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Keene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Keene's average rent is
94% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Keene | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $800 | +94% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $200 | $208 | -4% |
| Transport | $50 | $186 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $95 | $139 | -32% |
| Monthly Total | $2,295 | $1,982 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Keene offers 96% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Keene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Keene is estimated at
$65,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Keene | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,960 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,067 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $78,445 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Keene | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Keene.
Keene scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Keene leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Keene | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Keene is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Keene | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,036 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
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.
Keene
#27New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
Ponca City
#122Oklahoma, 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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Keene and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator