Performance
Score Breakdown
Xianning
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Xianning is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
100% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Xianning's average rent is
100% lower than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Xianning | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $800 | -100% |
| Groceries | $0 | $649 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $208 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $186 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $139 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $0 | $1,982 | -100% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 66% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ponca City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Xianning | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $11,244 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 17,298 idx | 39,402 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Xianning | 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% |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Xianning is the larger city
— approximately 106.9x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Xianning 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 | Xianning | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,589,300 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | |
| Unemployment | 4.62% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Xianning
Advantages
Xianning is recognized as one of the least expensive cities globally and within China, with an estimated monthly cost of living of $638 (excluding rent).
The city is renowned for its natural beauty, including extensive bamboo forests, osmanthus groves, and abundant hot spring resources, making it a popular destination for tourism and outdoor activities.
Xianning boasts a rich history, with significant sites like the Chibi Ancient Battlefield offering cultural and historical insights.
Its humid subtropical climate provides mild temperatures for much of the year, with distinct seasons, though summers can be hot and wet.
The city's strategic location in southeastern Hubei, south of Wuhan, offers connectivity and potential for economic development as an expanding suburban area.
Drawbacks
Specific data on Xianning's unemployment rate, median household income, average rent, and average salary is not readily available from the provided search results, making detailed economic comparisons difficult.
Detailed information on Xianning's housing market, including price trends and average rental costs, is not available in the current research.
Specific metrics for safety, such as crime rates or safety scores, are not provided in the search results.
Quantitative data for transit scores and walkability is absent, limiting the assessment of the city's transportation infrastructure from a user perspective.
Detailed demographic data beyond population size and primary ethnicity, such as median age or education levels, is not available.
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.
Xianning
#9Hubei, China
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$11,244
Cost Index
65
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.62%
Livability
70
Business
60
Ponca City
#128Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
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