Performance
Score Breakdown
Ponca City
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
29% lower compared to Tigard.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ponca City's average rent is
56% lower than Tigard's.
| Metric | Ponca City | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $800 | $1,800 | -56% |
| Groceries | $649 | $450 | +44% |
| Utilities | $208 | $180 | +16% |
| Transport | $186 | $120 | +55% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $250 | -44% |
| Monthly Total | $1,982 | $2,800 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tigard offers 50% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tigard 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 $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Ponca City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,704 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,402 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $55,941 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Ponca City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Tigard.
Tigard scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Ponca City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tigard is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Ponca City | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,221 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 37.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.20% |
| 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.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
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
Tigard
#21Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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