Performance
Score Breakdown
Strand
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
41% higher compared to Strand.
Housing costs are a major driver: Strand's average rent is
125% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Strand | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $800 | +125% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,982 | +41% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 8% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ponca City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Strand is estimated at
$28,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Strand | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,579 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Strand | 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 Strand.
Strand scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Strand leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Strand | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Strand is the larger city
— approximately 2.7x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Strand is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Strand has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Strand | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,635 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.60% | % |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Strand
Advantages
Property values have shown significant capital growth, with average prices in sought-after suburbs like Strand North and Strand Central increasing by 11.6% per year from 2021 to 2024.
The Western Cape province, which includes Strand, consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in South Africa, indicating a robust job market.
Strand is well-served by schools and nearby healthcare facilities, contributing to a good quality of life.
The town offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with a long sandy beach and scenic mountain views, attracting residents seeking outdoor recreation.
Ongoing municipal infrastructure upgrades and private sector investments are enhancing the town's amenities and economic prospects.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, particularly housing, is rising rapidly, making it difficult for some residents, including essential workers, to afford accommodation.
Crime statistics for the broader precinct indicate that total crime is significantly above the provincial median, with contact and property crimes being notable concerns.
Car dependency is high, with 73% of residents using private vehicles for commuting, suggesting potential traffic and parking challenges.
While property values are increasing, this also contributes to affordability issues for long-term residents and lower-income households.
The town's popularity is leading to concerns about displacement of long-term residents due to escalating property costs.
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.
Strand
#1Western Cape, South Africa
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$30,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.60%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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