Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Oklahoma City, OK (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Chicago is 35% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,380/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 22%
$75,134/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↓ 11%
$315,200 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 32%
$1,502/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 25%
2,707,648
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $8,432/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $8,432/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oklahoma?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Oklahoma City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Oklahoma City

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