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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

8.3% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
17.4% 17.4% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.4% cheaper
Houston
92
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Houston
94
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Houston
100
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% cheaper
Houston
95
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index96888.3% less
Housing927617.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$95020.8% less
Median Home Price$295,000$210,00028.8% less
Groceries9493~Same
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare95923.2% less
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Houston to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston 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 17.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.