Performance
Score Breakdown
Newark
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
47% higher compared to Newark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Newark's average rent is
106% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Newark | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,649 | $800 | +106% |
| Groceries | $409 | $649 | -37% |
| Utilities | $371 | $208 | +78% |
| Transport | $351 | $186 | +89% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $139 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,919 | $1,982 | +47% |
| Cost Index | 106 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Newark offers 56% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Newark delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Newark is estimated at
$51,960 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Newark | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,024 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $51,960 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 48,136 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $76,912 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Newark | 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% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Newark.
Newark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Newark | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Newark is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newark has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Newark | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,311 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 22.1 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Newark
Advantages
Home to Christiana Hospital, Delaware's only Level I trauma center, ensuring high-quality healthcare access.
The University of Delaware provides extensive educational opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Median household income of $76,912 in 2024 is competitive.
Relatively affordable compared to nearby major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York.
Average commute time is relatively short at 19 minutes.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.16% in 2026.
Newark has a high poverty rate of 27.73%.
Housing costs are 10.5% higher than the national average.
The median age of 22.1 years suggests a transient student population, potentially impacting long-term community stability.
Utilities and groceries are slightly more expensive than the national average.
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.
Newark
#22Delaware, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
Ponca City
#101Oklahoma, 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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