Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

34.8% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
55.8% 55.8% cheaper housing
15.5% 15.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 55.8% cheaper
Boston
172
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 15.5% cheaper
Boston
110
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Boston
118
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 20.0% cheaper
Boston
115
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1358834.8% less
Housing1727655.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$95063.5% less
Median Home Price$700,000$210,00070.0% less
Groceries1109315.5% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1159220.0% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax9.00% (top)4.75%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Boston675,647
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Boston to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 55.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Oklahoma City?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $490,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.