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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

29.0% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
51.3% 51.3% cheaper housing
13.9% 13.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 51.3% cheaper
Seattle
156
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 13.9% cheaper
Seattle
108
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Seattle
118
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Seattle
110
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 9.9% more
Seattle
91
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1248829.0% less
Housing1567651.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$95053.7% less
Median Home Price$780,000$210,00073.1% less
Groceries1089313.9% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities911009.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Oklahoma City, OK
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.75%
State Sales Tax6.50%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Seattle to Oklahoma City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle 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 51.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Oklahoma City?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $570,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.