Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Oklahoma City, OK (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Charlotte is 46% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,504/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 28%
$78,438/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↓ 15%
$351,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 39%
$1,487/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 24%
886,283
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $11,736/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Charlotte 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 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $11,736/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Oklahoma City details →

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