City Comparison
Kelowna vs Ponca City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kelowna scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kelowna
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
43% higher compared to Kelowna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kelowna's average rent is
133% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Kelowna | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,860 | $800 | +133% |
| Groceries | $430 | $649 | -34% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,840 | $1,982 | +43% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kelowna offers 99% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kelowna delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kelowna is estimated at
$72,396 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Kelowna | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $72,396 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,185 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $75,500 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kelowna runs warmer on average — a 52°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kelowna comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kelowna sees 24.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kelowna | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 19.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Kelowna.
Kelowna scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kelowna leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kelowna | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kelowna is the larger city
— approximately 6x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Kelowna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kelowna has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kelowna | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 144,576 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 42.7 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kelowna
Advantages
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including water sports, hiking, and skiing.
Thriving wine region with numerous vineyards and wineries.
Growing technology and healthcare sectors offering diverse job opportunities.
High number of sunny days annually contributing to a pleasant climate.
Strong sense of community and active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing, particularly for home ownership and rentals, making it less affordable than the Canadian average.
Significant car dependency and increasing traffic congestion due to urban growth.
Limited public transit options outside of major corridors, impacting walkability and transit scores.
While crime rates are declining, public perception of safety, particularly regarding property crime, remains a concern.
Increasing demand on infrastructure and services due to population growth, despite recent moderation in growth rates.
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.
Kelowna
#32British Columbia, Canada
53.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,860
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
52.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
78
Business
75
Ponca City
#155Oklahoma, USA
43.0 / 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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