Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
13% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Topeka | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $800 | +13% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $245 | $208 | +18% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $1,982 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 94% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Topeka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Topeka | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Topeka leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 5.2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Topeka is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Topeka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Topeka | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional averages.
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.
Topeka
#69Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Ponca City
#102Oklahoma, 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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