Performance
Score Breakdown
San Felipe
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Felipe is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% lower compared to Ponca City.
| Metric | San Felipe | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $775 | $800 | -3% |
| Groceries | $350 | $649 | -46% |
| Utilities | $100 | $208 | -52% |
| Transport | $100 | $186 | -46% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $139 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,475 | $1,982 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 40 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 39% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, San Felipe delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in San Felipe is estimated at
$1,700 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | San Felipe | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $20,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $1,700 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 39,402 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | San Felipe | 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
San Felipe has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Ponca City.
San Felipe scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Felipe leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San Felipe | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of San Felipe.
From a growth perspective, San Felipe is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, San Felipe has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | San Felipe | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,143 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San Felipe
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living compared to U.S. coastal cities, with comfortable monthly expenses for singles and couples.
Affordable housing market, with reasonable rental prices and property values considerably lower than in the U.S.
Relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle attractive to retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Proximity to the U.S. border (approximately two hours from Calexico/Mexicali), facilitating easier travel for American visitors.
Unique natural environment where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez, offering scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Limited advanced healthcare facilities, requiring transfer to Mexicali for serious medical conditions.
Summers are very hot, with temperatures potentially reaching 46°C (115°F) in July and August, increasing utility costs due to air conditioning use.
While generally safer than some larger cities, Baja California as a state has a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department due to crime and kidnapping concerns.
Pedestrian infrastructure can be limited in some areas, making walking less practical for longer distances.
Some services and amenities may be limited compared to larger urban centers.
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.
San Felipe
#10Baja California, Mexico
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$775
Avg Salary
$20,000
Cost Index
40
Commute
min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
70
Business
55
Ponca City
#128Oklahoma, 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 San Felipe and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator