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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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.

17.8% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
27.6% 27.6% cheaper housing
10.6% 10.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.6% cheaper
Chicago
105
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 10.6% cheaper
Chicago
104
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 15.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1078817.8% less
Housing1057627.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$95044.1% less
Median Home Price$310,000$210,00032.3% less
Groceries1049310.6% less
Transportation1149615.8% less
Healthcare1039210.7% less
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax4.95%4.75%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Chicago to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 27.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Oklahoma City?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.