Home › Compare › Washington, DC vs Oklahoma City, OK

Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

32.3% Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper overall
53.1% 53.1% 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 53.1% cheaper
Washington
162
Oklahoma City
76
🛒 Groceries 13.9% cheaper
Washington
108
Oklahoma City
93
🚗 Transportation 21.3% cheaper
Washington
122
Oklahoma City
96
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Washington
110
Oklahoma City
92
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Oklahoma City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Oklahoma City, OK Difference
Overall Cost Index1308832.3% less
Housing1627653.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$95056.8% less
Median Home Price$620,000$210,00066.1% less
Groceries1089313.9% less
Transportation1229621.3% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Oklahoma City, OK
State Income Tax10.75% (top)4.75%
State Sales Tax6.00%4.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.85%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Oklahoma City (88). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Oklahoma City3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Oklahoma City2.4%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Oklahoma City22 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Oklahoma City32
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Oklahoma City44
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Oklahoma City60°F
Population
Washington689,545
Oklahoma City681,054

Moving from Washington to Oklahoma City?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 53.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Oklahoma City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $950/month in Oklahoma City — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Oklahoma City?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Oklahoma City?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Oklahoma City?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $210,000 in Oklahoma City — a difference of $410,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Oklahoma averages 0.85%.