Performance
Score Breakdown
Kitchener
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
34% higher compared to Kitchener.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kitchener's average rent is
117% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Kitchener | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,738 | $800 | +117% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $90 | $186 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,658 | $1,982 | +34% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kitchener offers 59% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kitchener delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kitchener is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Kitchener | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,950 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,684 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $87,000 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kitchener | 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
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Kitchener.
Kitchener scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kitchener leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kitchener | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 72.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kitchener is the larger city
— approximately 10.6x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Kitchener is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ponca City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kitchener | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 256,885 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.40% | % |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kitchener
Advantages
Strong job growth in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge CMA, with a 7.9% increase in employment in December 2024.
Affordable cost of living compared to many other major Canadian cities, with an estimated cost of living index of 95.
Highly walkable downtown core and good public transit options, including the ION light rail.
Vibrant cultural scene with major events like Oktoberfest and a rich German heritage.
Access to green spaces and recreational areas, including parks and trails along the Grand River.
Drawbacks
Crime rates are reported to be 35% higher than the Ontario average.
Public transit consistency can be an issue, with reports of punctuality problems.
Finding a family doctor can be challenging due to long waitlists at clinics.
Some areas of the city exhibit higher car dependency, impacting walkability outside the downtown core.
Recent slowdown in population growth, potentially impacting future economic momentum.
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.
Kitchener
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,738
Avg Salary
$51,950
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
72.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.40%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Ponca City
#119Oklahoma, 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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