Performance
Score Breakdown
Akumal
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
41% higher compared to Akumal.
Housing costs are a major driver: Akumal's average rent is
125% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Akumal | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $800 | +125% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,982 | +41% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Akumal is estimated at
$30,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Akumal | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $30,000 | $52,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Akumal | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Akumal.
Akumal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akumal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Akumal | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Akumal.
From a growth perspective, Akumal is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akumal has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Akumal | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,154 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | |
| Unemployment | 2.63% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Akumal
Advantages
Akumal boasts a very low crime rate and is considered exceptionally safe for tourists and residents, with a strong emphasis on community security.
It is globally renowned for its marine life, particularly the sea turtles that inhabit its bays, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and ecotourism.
The town provides a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, characterized by its small, walkable size and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking relaxation.
Akumal's strategic location on the Riviera Maya allows for easy access to other regional attractions like cenotes and Mayan ruins, while maintaining a peaceful environment.
The short-term rental market is robust and growing, presenting attractive investment opportunities for property owners.
Drawbacks
Healthcare facilities within Akumal are limited to a clinic; serious medical emergencies require travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
Long-term rental housing can be scarce due to the high demand and profitability of short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it potentially vulnerable to fluctuations in the travel industry and external economic shocks.
While the town is walkable, public transportation options are limited, and car dependency is moderate for accessing amenities outside the immediate center or for inter-city travel.
Sargassum seaweed can periodically affect beach conditions, impacting the aesthetic appeal and usability of the coastline.
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.
Akumal
#1Quintana Roo, Mexico
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.63%
Livability
74
Business
68
Ponca City
#128Oklahoma, 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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