Performance
Score Breakdown
Summerside
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Summerside is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Summerside's average rent is
10% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Summerside | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $882 | $800 | +10% |
| Groceries | $312 | $649 | -52% |
| Utilities | $186 | $208 | -11% |
| Transport | $46 | $186 | -75% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $139 | -64% |
| Monthly Total | $1,476 | $1,982 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 6% 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 Summerside is estimated at
$35,280 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Summerside | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,659 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $35,280 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,969 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $45,050 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Summerside | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Summerside.
Summerside 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 | Summerside | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Summerside.
From a growth perspective, Summerside 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 | Summerside | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,557 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | % |
| Median Age | 44.9 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Summerside
Advantages
Growing economy with diversification into aerospace, IT, and renewable energy sectors.
Lower housing costs compared to many larger Canadian cities, attracting retirees and remote workers.
Strong sense of community and welcoming environment.
Access to local produce and seafood, contributing to a good quality of life.
Municipally owned electric utility, demonstrating leadership in green energy initiatives.
Drawbacks
Summerside's crime rates are significantly higher than the national average, particularly for property and violent crimes.
The city is largely car-dependent due to limited public transit options.
Average salaries in Summerside are lower than the Canadian national average.
The unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island (and by extension, Summerside) is higher than the national average.
Housing affordability is becoming a concern, with incomes lagging behind rising home prices, making it challenging for some residents.
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.
Summerside
#25Prince Edward Island, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$882
Avg Salary
$30,659
Cost Index
99
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
70
Business
72
Ponca City
#108Oklahoma, 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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