Portland
Maine, USA
#28 in USA
72
Overall Score
VS
Ponca City
Oklahoma, USA
#128 in USA
60
Overall Score
Portland scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Portland
Ponca City
Livability
75
60
Affordability
45
85
Business
70
65
Growth
70
45

Cost of Living

Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately 5% higher compared to Portland. Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is 161% higher than Ponca City's.
MetricPortlandPonca CityDiff
Average Rent
$2,088$800+161%
Groceries
$0$649-100%
Utilities
$0$208-100%
Transport
$0$186-100%
Healthcare
$0$139-100%
Monthly Total
$2,088$1,982+5%
Cost Index
11483out of 100

Salary & Income

Ponca City offers 100% lower average salaries.
MetricPortlandPonca City
Average Salary
$0$32,704
Salary Needed
$0$52,000
Household Income
$79,540$55,941

Climate Comparison

Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round. For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year, which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle. Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
MetricPortlandPonca City
Avg Temp
47.70°F°F
Summer High
78.40°F°F
Winter Low
14.70°F°F
Rainfall
38.40 in in
Snowfall
43.20 in in
Sunny Days
254
Humidity
71.00%75.00%

Commute & Transport

Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly 1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Portland. Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricPortlandPonca City
Commute Time
19 min16 min
Transit Score
65.0/1020.0/10
Walkability
62.0/1030.0/10
Traffic Index
30.00
Car Dependency
MediumHigh

Economy & Demographics

Portland is the larger city — approximately 2.8x the population of Ponca City. From a growth perspective, Portland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricPortlandPonca City
Population
68,85424,221
Pop. Growth
0.51%%
Median Age
37.837.1
Unemployment
2.70%4.20%
GDP
$0.0B$0.0B

Pros & Cons

Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
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.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Portland
#28
Maine, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
View Full Profile
Ponca City
#128
Oklahoma, 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
View Full Profile

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