Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Oklahoma City, OK (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Denver is 73% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,770/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 39%
$91,681/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↓ 27%
$586,700 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 63%
$1,839/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
2.9%
Sales Tax
4.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $24,979/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $24,979/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oklahoma?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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.
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