Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Oklahoma City is 31% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,083/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 36%
$66,702/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 18%
$215,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 69%
$1,133/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 24%
688,693
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $12,077/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Mesa — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Mesa?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Mesa?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $12,077/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Arizona?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oklahoma City details → View Mesa details →

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