Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Austin is 81% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,655/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 35%
$91,461/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↓ 27%
$512,700 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 35%
967,862
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $24,759/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma City's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Austin or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $24,759/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,083/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Oklahoma City details →

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