Performance
Score Breakdown
Mansehra
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mansehra is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
82% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mansehra's average rent is
83% lower than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Mansehra | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $134 | $800 | -83% |
| Groceries | $104 | $649 | -84% |
| Utilities | $108 | $208 | -48% |
| Transport | $9 | $186 | -95% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $139 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $355 | $1,982 | -82% |
| Cost Index | 18 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 95% 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.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mansehra is estimated at
$5,868 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Mansehra | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $1,686 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $5,868 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 9,367 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $3,550 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mansehra | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 58.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Mansehra has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Ponca City.
Ponca City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Ponca City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mansehra | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mansehra is the larger city
— approximately 5.9x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Mansehra 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 | Mansehra | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,364 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.22% | % |
| Median Age | 20.8 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 9.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mansehra
Advantages
Mansehra serves as a gateway to renowned tourist destinations like Kaghan Valley and Naran, offering natural beauty and outdoor activities.
The city is rich in historical heritage, including the ancient Ashoka Rock Edicts, providing cultural significance.
The local community is known for its strong sense of hospitality and solidarity, creating a welcoming environment.
New healthcare infrastructure, such as the 110-bed Category-C Hospital in Balakot, has been completed in 2026, improving medical access.
Mansehra is strategically located on the CPEC route, fostering growth in logistics and trade.
Drawbacks
The region is vulnerable to natural disasters, having experienced significant destruction from the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods.
Underdevelopment in certain areas leads to limited access to basic necessities like consistent electricity and natural gas.
The female education rate is notably low, contributing to backwardness in the district.
Over-cultivation and lack of proper irrigation are leading to deforestation and impacting agricultural productivity.
Traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons, can cause significant delays and road safety concerns in areas like Kaghan Valley.
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.
Mansehra
#5Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$134
Avg Salary
$1,686
Cost Index
18
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.22%
Unemployment
9.60%
Livability
55
Business
65
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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