Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

35.3% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
57.3% 57.3% 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 57.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 15.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 23.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 17.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1368835.3% less
Housing1787657.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$95062.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$210,00076.1% less
Groceries1109315.5% less
Transportation1259623.2% less
Healthcare1129217.9% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax13.30% (top)4.75%
State Sales Tax7.25%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Oklahoma City vs Raleigh → Oklahoma City vs Portland → Oklahoma City vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 57.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Oklahoma City?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $670,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.