City Comparison
North Charleston vs Ponca City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
North Charleston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
North Charleston
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
45% higher compared to North Charleston.
Housing costs are a major driver: North Charleston's average rent is
134% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | North Charleston | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,870 | $800 | +134% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,870 | $1,982 | +45% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
North Charleston offers 99% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, North Charleston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in North Charleston is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | North Charleston | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $62,956 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | North Charleston | 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
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to North Charleston.
North Charleston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, North Charleston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | North Charleston | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 26.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
North Charleston is the larger city
— approximately 5.4x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, North Charleston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, North Charleston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | North Charleston | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 131,980 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.12% | % |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
North Charleston
Advantages
More affordable housing and cost of living compared to downtown Charleston.
Growing job market with diverse industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Strategic location with excellent access to major transportation routes and the Port of Charleston.
Good quality of life with a variety of amenities, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Slight moderation in price growth in the housing market, leading to a more balanced environment for buyers.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to the South Carolina and national averages.
Car-dependent transportation system with lower walkability and transit scores.
Wages have not kept pace with the rapid increase in rental costs in some areas.
While stabilizing, the housing market has seen significant price appreciation in recent years.
Some population groups face greater challenges accessing employment within the city.
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.
North Charleston
#140South Carolina, USA
48.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,870
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
26.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.12%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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