Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

10.2% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
26.9% 26.9% cheaper housing
4.1% 4.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.9% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 4.1% cheaper
Raleigh
97
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Raleigh
96
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index988810.2% less
Housing1047626.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$95029.6% less
Median Home Price$385,000$210,00045.5% less
Groceries97934.1% less
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax4.50%4.75%
State Sales Tax4.75%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Raleigh to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 26.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Oklahoma City?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.