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

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Oklahoma City is 38% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,083/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 50%
$66,702/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 16%
$215,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 96%
$1,133/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 37%
688,693
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $10,941/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Tempe — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Tempe?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Tempe?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $10,941/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oklahoma City details → View Tempe details →

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