Performance
Score Breakdown
Urbandale
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Urbandale is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Urbandale's average rent is
28% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $800 | +28% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $141 | $208 | -32% |
| Transport | $125 | $186 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $139 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,837 | $1,982 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Urbandale offers 69% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Urbandale delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Urbandale is estimated at
$40,840 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,170 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $40,840 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,300 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $112,795 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Urbandale.
Urbandale scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Urbandale leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Urbandale is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Urbandale is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Urbandale has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 49,154 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | % |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Urbandale
Advantages
Urbandale boasts a very low crime rate, being 66% lower than the national average, making it one of Iowa's safest sizeable cities.
The cost of living in Urbandale is 10% lower than the national average, with housing and utility expenses being particularly affordable.
The city offers a high quality of life, supported by numerous parks, extensive trail systems, and a strong sense of community.
Urbandale has a thriving economy with a 2.25% job growth rate from 2023 to 2024, driven by strong sectors like Finance & Insurance and Healthcare.
Public schools accessible to Urbandale residents generally perform above the state average, contributing to a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Urbandale is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 32, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
While DART bus routes exist, the public transit system is not extensive, leading to a low Transit Score.
There are no major general hospitals located directly within Urbandale's city limits, requiring residents to travel to nearby Des Moines for comprehensive hospital care.
The city's lifestyle, while safe and family-friendly, is sometimes described as lacking a vibrant nightlife or particularly exciting entertainment options.
Despite overall affordability, the median property value in Urbandale is slightly above the national average, which could be a barrier for some homebuyers.
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.
Urbandale
#5Iowa, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,021
Avg Salary
$55,170
Cost Index
90
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
90
Business
75
Ponca City
#101Oklahoma, 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 Urbandale and Ponca City.
Open Cost Calculator