Performance
Score Breakdown
Mount Pearl
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mount Pearl is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Ponca City.
| Metric | Mount Pearl | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $814 | $800 | +2% |
| Groceries | $350 | $649 | -46% |
| Utilities | $150 | $208 | -28% |
| Transport | $100 | $186 | -46% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $139 | -28% |
| Monthly Total | $1,514 | $1,982 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 68 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Mount Pearl | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $52,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mount Pearl | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 82.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Mount Pearl.
Ponca City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mount Pearl leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mount Pearl | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mount Pearl is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Mount Pearl 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 | Mount Pearl | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,469 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | % |
| Median Age | 45.1 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 10.00% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mount Pearl
Advantages
Mount Pearl's crime rates are 28% lower than the Newfoundland and Labrador average, contributing to a safe community environment.
The average rent for an apartment in Mount Pearl is 38% below the Canadian national average, offering significant affordability in housing.
The city boasts a central location, providing short commutes to major centers like downtown St. John's, the Health Science Centre, and Memorial University.
Mount Pearl is recognized for its family-friendly lifestyle, featuring numerous playgrounds, walking trails, and extensive recreational facilities like the Summit Centre.
The city has an 'open for business' policy with tax incentives, fostering a thriving business sector and supporting growth in various industries.
Drawbacks
Mount Pearl does not have its own hospital, requiring residents to travel to St. John's for acute care.
The city has limited public transit options and a low transit access score, making car dependency medium to high.
The unemployment rate in Mount Pearl was 10% as of a 2024 estimate, which is higher than the national average.
The median household income data available is from 2020, making it difficult to assess current income levels accurately.
Housing demand currently outstrips supply, although the city is investing in new developments to address this.
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.
Mount Pearl
#6Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$814
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
68
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
10.00%
Livability
79
Business
72
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 Mount Pearl and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator