Home › Compare › Phoenix, AZ vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

12.0% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
28.3% 28.3% cheaper housing
5.1% 5.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.3% cheaper
Phoenix
106
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 5.1% cheaper
Phoenix
98
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 5.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% cheaper
Phoenix
95
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1008812.0% less
Housing1067628.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$95025.8% less
Median Home Price$370,000$210,00043.2% less
Groceries98935.1% less
Transportation101965.0% less
Healthcare95923.2% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax2.50%4.75%
State Sales Tax5.60%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Phoenix to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix 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 28.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Oklahoma City?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.