Performance
Score Breakdown
Springfield
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Springfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springfield's average rent is
40% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Springfield | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,121 | $800 | +40% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,071 | $1,982 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springfield offers 68% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Springfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Springfield is estimated at
$67,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Springfield | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $67,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,111 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $49,311 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Springfield | 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 0 minutes of each other.
Springfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Springfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springfield | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Springfield is the larger city
— approximately 7x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Springfield is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Springfield | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,117 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.16% | % |
| Median Age | 33.7 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $29.3B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springfield
Advantages
The cost of living in Springfield is 8-12% below the national average, with significant savings in housing, utilities, and groceries.
Housing is highly affordable, with a median home value of $208,223 in 2026, making homeownership more accessible.
The average commute time is short, at just 16 minutes, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Springfield has a diversified and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare and manufacturing.
The city is a regional healthcare hub with highly-rated hospitals like Mercy Hospital Springfield, which received a Leapfrog A rating in 2024 and 2025.
Drawbacks
Healthcare costs in Springfield are reported to be 6-11.5% above the national average.
The median household income of $49,311 (2024) is lower than the national median.
Springfield received a low safety score of 26 out of 100 in Livability's 2026 ranking.
The city experiences varied and sometimes extreme weather, including muggy summers and cold, snowy winters.
While a regional hub, the city's population diversity is lower compared to many other U.S. cities.
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.
Springfield
#14Missouri, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,121
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
78
Business
68
Ponca City
#106Oklahoma, 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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