Performance
Score Breakdown
Kunming
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kunming is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
67% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kunming's average rent is
71% lower than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Kunming | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $234 | $800 | -71% |
| Groceries | $187 | $649 | -71% |
| Utilities | $53 | $208 | -75% |
| Transport | $37 | $186 | -80% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $139 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $661 | $1,982 | -67% |
| Cost Index | 31 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 41% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kunming delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kunming is estimated at
$10,368 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Kunming | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $19,261 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $10,368 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,132 idx | 39,402 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kunming | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
12,000 minutes (200 hours) per year compared to Kunming.
Ponca City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Ponca City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kunming | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 40 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kunming is the larger city
— approximately 250.2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Kunming 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 | Kunming | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,061,121 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.21% | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | |
| Unemployment | 4.62% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $128.1B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kunming
Advantages
Kunming boasts a mild, spring-like climate year-round, earning it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."
The cost of living in Kunming is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities, with average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center at $234 as of August 2026.
The city has a high safety index of 85 as of 2026, indicating a very secure living environment.
Kunming is a significant economic and transportation hub, serving as a gateway to Southeast and South Asia.
The city is a major center for scientific research and education, listed among the top 100 cities globally for scientific research output in 2024.
Drawbacks
Specific, up-to-date data for certain metrics like median household income, unemployment rate, and median age for Kunming are not readily available from reliable sources.
While public transport is available, detailed transit and walkability scores are not widely published.
The average individual salary in Kunming, while covering living expenses, is lower than in some first-tier Chinese cities.
Summer months experience frequent and heavy rainfall, which can impact outdoor activities.
Despite its mild climate, winter nights can experience freezing temperatures, and occasional freak snowfalls can occur.
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.
Kunming
#2Yunnan, China
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$234
Avg Salary
$19,261
Cost Index
31
Commute
40 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.21%
Unemployment
4.62%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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