Performance
Score Breakdown
Merthyr Tydfil
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Merthyr Tydfil is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Ponca City.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $755 | $800 | -6% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $338 | $208 | +63% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $1,863 | $1,982 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 16% 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 Merthyr Tydfil is estimated at
$25,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $27,399 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $25,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,443 idx | 39,402 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 86.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Merthyr Tydfil.
Merthyr Tydfil scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Merthyr Tydfil leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | 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 | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Merthyr Tydfil is the larger city
— approximately 2.4x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Merthyr Tydfil is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Merthyr Tydfil has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,972 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Merthyr Tydfil
Advantages
Merthyr Tydfil offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UK average, particularly in housing.
The town is situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing excellent access to outdoor recreational activities.
Merthyr Tydfil has a rich industrial heritage, offering a unique historical and cultural landscape.
The housing market is considered affordable for both renters and buyers, with competitive property prices and rents.
The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, contributing to the local economy and job creation.
Drawbacks
Merthyr Tydfil has a higher crime rate than the UK national average, with specific areas experiencing higher incident levels.
Life expectancy in Merthyr Tydfil is lower than the Welsh average, and the region experiences high rates of mental illness and poor well-being.
A significant portion of the population has no formal qualifications, which can affect employment prospects and income levels.
The town faces challenges with deprivation in some areas, and has a higher proportion of older housing stock.
Public transport options are less extensive compared to larger urban centers, indicating a higher reliance on private vehicles.
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.
Merthyr Tydfil
#1Wales, UK
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$755
Avg Salary
$27,399
Cost Index
90
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
68
Business
60
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 Merthyr Tydfil and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator