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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74

Houston is 19% more expensive than Oklahoma City.

$1,313/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,083/mo ↓ 18%
$62,894/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,702/yr ↑ 6%
$253,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$215,100 ↓ 15%
$1,316/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,133/mo ↓ 14%
2,300,419
Population
688,693

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Oklahoma City, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $3,808/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $215,100 in Oklahoma City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Oklahoma City — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Oklahoma City it's $1,083/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $66,702 in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $3,808/year higher in Oklahoma City.
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 Houston or Oklahoma City?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Oklahoma City details →

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