Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Oklahoma City, OK (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Columbus is 12% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,224/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 12%
$65,327/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↑ 2%
$234,500 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 8%
$1,243/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 9%
906,480
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $1,375/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $1,375/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oklahoma?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Oklahoma City details →

More Comparisons

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