Oklahoma City, OK, US
One of America's most affordable big cities with a revitalized downtown and Thunder basketball.
Overview
Oklahoma City is a city in OK with a population of 694,800. One of America’s most affordable big cities with a revitalized downtown and Thunder basketball. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Oklahoma City vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.8%
- Sales Tax: 8.6%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $54,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 694,800
Climate
- Sunny Days: 234/year
- Summer High: 93°F
- Winter Low: 28°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $195,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Oklahoma City's cost of living index is 88.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | Oklahoma City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.2 | 100 | -11.8% |
| Housing | 78.5 | 100 | -21.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $195,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $130 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Oklahoma City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $90 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $63 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $15 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $293 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Oklahoma City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Oklahoma City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 28°F | 2.5" |
| April | 78°F | 43°F | 2.8" |
| July | 93°F | 68°F | 1.5" |
| October | 73°F | 46°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Oklahoma City faces the following natural hazards:
Core of Tornado Alley with frequent and severe tornadoes.
Summer heat waves.
Frequent drought conditions.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Induced seismicity from oil and gas operations.
Wildfire risk in grassland areas.
Dust storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.75%
- Sales Tax: 8.625%
- Property Tax: ~1.16% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Oklahoma City per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Oklahoma City is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oklahoma City, OK, US?
The cost of living index in Oklahoma City is 88.2, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Oklahoma City?
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $195,000. The housing index is 78.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma City is approximately $950/mo.
Does Oklahoma City, OK have income tax?
Oklahoma City is in OK, which has an income tax rate of 4.75%.
What is the climate like in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City enjoys approximately 234 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 93°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.