Performance
Score Breakdown
Tampa
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
52% higher compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tampa's average rent is
125% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Tampa | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $800 | +125% |
| Groceries | $552 | $649 | -15% |
| Utilities | $294 | $208 | +41% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $3,016 | $1,982 | +52% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 99% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tampa is estimated at
$70,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Tampa | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,000 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $84,114 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tampa | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Tampa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tampa | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 31.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 17.3x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Tampa 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 | Tampa | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 419,635 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.47% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.
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.
Tampa
#23Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
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
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