Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

14.6% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
35.6% 35.6% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 35.6% cheaper
Austin
118
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 3.1% cheaper
Austin
96
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 5.2% cheaper
Austin
97
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1038814.6% less
Housing1187635.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$95034.5% less
Median Home Price$425,000$210,00050.6% less
Groceries96933.1% less
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare97925.2% less
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Oklahoma City, OK
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.75%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Oklahoma City costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Oklahoma City to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Austin979,882
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Austin to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Oklahoma City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Oklahoma City →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Oklahoma City vs Portland → Oklahoma City vs Phoenix → Oklahoma City vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 35.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Oklahoma City?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $58,000 in Oklahoma City. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.