Performance
Score Breakdown
Las Cruces
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Las Cruces.
Housing costs are a major driver: Las Cruces's average rent is
34% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,068 | $800 | +34% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $198 | $208 | -5% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $139 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,986 | $1,982 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Las Cruces offers 61% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Las Cruces delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Las Cruces is estimated at
$64,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,790 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $64,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,011 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $55,422 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 4.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Las Cruces.
Las Cruces scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Las Cruces leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Las Cruces is the larger city
— approximately 4.8x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces 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 | Las Cruces | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,998 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.99% | % |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
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.
Las Cruces
#23New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Las Cruces and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator