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

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Oklahoma City is 45% cheaper than Cary.

$1,083/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 50%
$66,702/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 94%
$215,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 144%
$1,133/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 54%
688,693
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $62,697/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Cary — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Cary?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Cary?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $62,697/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oklahoma City details → View Cary details →

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