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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

21.4% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
42.4% 42.4% cheaper housing
7.9% 7.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 42.4% cheaper
Denver
132
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 7.9% cheaper
Denver
101
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 8.6% cheaper
Denver
105
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 11.5% cheaper
Denver
104
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Denver
96
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1128821.4% less
Housing1327642.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$95041.4% less
Median Home Price$540,000$210,00061.1% less
Groceries101937.9% less
Transportation105968.6% less
Healthcare1049211.5% less
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax4.40%4.75%
State Sales Tax2.90%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Denver713,252
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Denver to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 42.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $670 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Oklahoma City?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $330,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.