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

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Oklahoma City is 30% cheaper than Durham.

$1,083/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 30%
$66,702/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 19%
$215,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 65%
$1,133/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 27%
688,693
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $12,532/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Durham — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Durham?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Durham?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $12,532/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oklahoma City details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oklahoma City and Durham

Oklahoma City vs. Denver Oklahoma City vs. Nashville Oklahoma City vs. Seattle Oklahoma City vs. El Paso Oklahoma City vs. San Francisco Oklahoma City vs. Washington Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo