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

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Oklahoma City is 7% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,083/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 4%
$66,702/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 12%
$215,100 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 20%
$1,133/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 8%
688,693
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,968/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs El Paso — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and El Paso?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or El Paso?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $7,968/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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