Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

16.2% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
36.7% 36.7% 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 36.7% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 5.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
98
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
100
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% cheaper
Salt Lake City
96
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Salt Lake City
88
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1058816.2% less
Housing1207636.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$95029.6% less
Median Home Price$475,000$210,00055.8% less
Groceries98935.1% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare96924.2% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax4.65%4.75%
State Sales Tax6.10%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Oklahoma City681,054

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 36.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Oklahoma City?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $265,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.