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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

18.5% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
30.9% 30.9% cheaper housing
12.3% 12.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.9% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 12.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 14.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 12.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1088818.5% less
Housing1107630.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$95036.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$210,00025.0% less
Groceries1069312.3% less
Transportation1129614.3% less
Healthcare1059212.4% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax3.07%4.75%
State Sales Tax6.00%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Oklahoma City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Oklahoma City to maintain your Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Oklahoma City681,054

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 30.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Oklahoma City?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.