Performance
Score Breakdown
Ponca City
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ponca City's average rent is
48% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Ponca City | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $800 | $1,546 | -48% |
| Groceries | $649 | $450 | +44% |
| Utilities | $208 | $327 | -36% |
| Transport | $186 | $120 | +55% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $150 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $1,982 | $2,593 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 44% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Ponca City is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Ponca City | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,704 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,402 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $55,941 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Ponca City | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Ponca City | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse 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 | Ponca City | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,221 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.1 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Ponca City
#92Oklahoma, 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
Syracuse
#49New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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