Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Oklahoma City is 9% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $67,969 in Oklahoma City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Oklahoma City sits at 68 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $195,000 in Oklahoma City, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,000 in Oklahoma City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Houston scores 94 while Oklahoma City scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are higher than Oklahoma City (92).
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $55,458 in Oklahoma City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Oklahoma City.
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