Skyline of Stillwater
Cost of Living: 90 48,000

Stillwater, OK, US

Home of Oklahoma State University with a classic college-town atmosphere.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Stillwater is a city in OK with a population of 48,000. Home of Oklahoma State University with a classic college-town atmosphere. Housing costs are close to 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. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 23.7.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 95

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Stillwater vs US Average

Cost of Living
Stillwater: 90
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Stillwater: 95
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Stillwater: 4.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.8%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 48,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 230/year
  • Summer High: 92°F
  • Winter Low: 28°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: $240,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1000/mo

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Cost of Living

Stillwater's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).

CategoryStillwaterNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing95100-5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$240,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,250/mo
Price per Sq Ft$160

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
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$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Stillwater:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$82Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$64Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$12Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$65Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$288Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Stillwater scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 90
Rent
— $1000
Sunny Days
— 230
Tax
— 4.75%
Unemployment
— 3.0%
Climate
— 92°F / 28°F
Safety
— 5.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 48,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Stillwater has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January48°F28°F2.5"
April77°F43°F2.8"
July92°F67°F1.5"
October72°F46°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Stillwater faces the following natural hazards:

Tornado High Risk

Core of Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.

Flood High Risk

Flash floods and river flooding.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Induced seismicity from oil and gas operations.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Wildfire risk in grassland and forest areas.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.75%
  • Sales Tax: 8.5%
  • Property Tax: ~0.89% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Schools & Education

73/100
School Quality Score
Better than 59% of US cities
?
9
Total Schools
7.9:1
Student:Teacher

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Demographics

The population of Stillwater is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
6.1%
Black or African American
4.7%
Hispanic or Latino
6.2%
Native American
3.4%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.1%
Other
0.1%
Two or more races
7.6%
White
71.7%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
51.9%
High school graduate
18.9%
Less than high school
4.4%
Some college
24.8%

Religion

Christian
75.0%
Other
6.0%
Unaffiliated
19.0%

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 Stillwater, OK, US?

The cost of living index in Stillwater is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Stillwater?

The median home price in Stillwater is $240,000. The housing index is 95.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Stillwater is approximately $1000/mo.

Does Stillwater, OK have income tax?

Stillwater is in OK, which has an income tax rate of 4.75%.

What is the climate like in Stillwater?

Stillwater enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.

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.