Cost of Living in Oklahoma in 2025

Cost of Living in Oklahoma: Key Findings

• Housing costs are about 24% below the national median, with average Oklahoma City rent at $1,061 per month.
• Transportation expenses are roughly 10% lower than the U.S. average, aided by lower gas prices and shorter commutes.
• Groceries cost around 5% less than the national average, with typical monthly spending near $230 for one person.

The cost of living in Oklahoma is among the lowest in the United States, ranking 35th overall in affordability according to U.S. News & World Report. 

Whether you’re deciding if it’s the right place to relocate or weighing a job offer in Oklahoma, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Oklahoma Cost of Living Overview

Overall, Oklahoma’s living costs are about 9% lower than the U.S. average, with housing standing out as the biggest savings category. 

Statewide, housing costs are roughly 24% below the national median, utilities are 4% lower, groceries are 4% lower, healthcare is 8% lower, transportation is 10% lower and goods and services are 1% lower, according to RentCafe.

For those considering a move for hospitality work, Oklahoma’s affordability can be an advantage for both management and service roles. 

In cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, lower housing and daily expenses can make wages in positions such as Restaurant Managers, Servers and Bartenders stretch further.

These savings come with trade-offs, such as slower property appreciation compared with hot coastal markets, but for many residents, the lower monthly burden outweighs the downside.

Housing Costs in Oklahoma

Housing is Oklahoma’s most affordable cost category. The statewide median home price sits at $236,700, up about 4.5% year-over-year, according to Bankrate.

Zillow’s figures are similar, estimating the average home value at $217,402 — still far below the U.S. median of around $435,300 as of June 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors. 

In Oklahoma City, the typical listing price is around $320,395, while rents average $1,061 per month. 

These moderate housing costs can translate into a higher quality of life for hospitality professionals, especially for Chefs in upscale restaurants, as featured in our guide to the best-paying restaurants for Pastry Chefs.

Edmond, a popular suburb, has median home prices in the $375K–$395K range, yet remains more affordable than many U.S. cities of similar size. 

Lower property taxes, plenty of land and fewer people buying homes just to invest help keep housing prices in Oklahoma low. 

Utility Costs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma residents pay an average of about $397 per month for utilities, according to SoFi. 

A typical monthly breakdown includes:

Costs can rise during the summer due to heavy air conditioning use, especially in southern and central parts of the state. 

Transportation Costs in Oklahoma

Transportation costs in Oklahoma are approximately 10% lower than the national average, making it one of the more affordable states for everyday travel. 

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in Oklahoma spends around $10,792 annually on transportation, which reflects basic needs including commuting and vehicle expenses.

Gas prices in the state are typically lower than average, and car insurance rates remain competitive across cities. 

Public transportation outside Oklahoma City and Tulsa is limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles. Luckily, shorter commute times also help residents save both time and fuel.

Employees may also consider negotiating transportation benefits, such as mileage reimbursement, public transit passes or fuel stipends, as part of their overall compensation package to offset commuting costs.

Grocery and Dining Costs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s grocery prices are among the lowest in the region, averaging around $230 per month for one person. 

Common grocery costs in Oklahoma City include:

Dining out is also relatively affordable, with casual restaurant meals often priced at $10–$15 and mid-range dining starting at $20–$25 per person. 

Groceries are about 5% cheaper than the national average.

Healthcare Costs in Oklahoma

Healthcare in Oklahoma averages about $6,878 annually per person. 

Out-of-pocket expenses vary widely based on insurance coverage, but major metro areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa have well-developed hospital networks. 

Rural areas may have fewer facilities, potentially increasing travel time for specialized care.

Childcare and Education Costs in Oklahoma

Families should budget around $1,318 per month for infant care, $884 for toddler care, and $739 for preschool-aged children. 

Private school tuition varies widely, and in-state tuition at major universities such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University is lower than in many other states.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Oklahoma

Entertainment in Oklahoma is accessible for most budgets, with options ranging from low-cost community activities to higher-end experiences.

Typical entertainment costs:

Cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer theaters, live music venues, professional sports and cultural festivals, while small towns often have local fairs, farmers markets and seasonal events that are low-cost or free.

Taxes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s tax structure helps keep its cost of living relatively low.

State tax rates:

• State income tax: 0.5%–5%
• Sales tax: 4.5% statewide, with local additions bringing it up to an average of 8.98% in some areas
• Property tax: 0.87% average, below the national rate of 0.99%

Lower property taxes make homeownership more affordable, but higher combined sales taxes in cities like Tulsa mean residents can pay more at checkout. 

For those weighing job offers in the state, it’s worth reviewing Oklahoma labor laws, including wage requirements, overtime rules and mandatory benefits, so you can better understand how taxes and employment regulations together affect take-home pay.

Insurance Costs in Oklahoma

Insurance expenses vary by location and risk factors, especially given Oklahoma’s position in “Tornado Alley.”

Average annual costs:

Bundling policies, raising deductibles or safe-driver discounts can help residents reduce premiums.

Clothing and Personal Care in Oklahoma

Residents generally spend modestly on clothing and personal care.

Typical monthly spending:

• Clothing: $100
• Personal care products/services: $50

Discount retailers, outlet malls and consignment shops are common options for affordable fashion, while personal grooming remains competitively priced compared to larger metro markets.

Income and Salaries in Oklahoma

Median household income in Oklahoma has grown steadily over the past 15 years.

Median household income:

• 2010: $45,000
• 2015: $50,000
• 2020: $55,000
• 2023: $60,000
• 2025: $62,000

In Oklahoma City, the median is slightly higher at $63,713. While wages in hospitality and retail are lower than professional fields, Oklahoma’s affordability allows income to stretch further.

What Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Oklahoma

While statewide averages give a broad picture, local perspectives provide valuable context. A recent discussion on r/Tulsa — though focused on Tulsa — highlights many cost-of-living realities that can apply to other Oklahoma cities, especially urban areas.

One resident compared rent-to-income ratios:

The statistic I watch is the ratio between our median income and average rent. Currently in Oklahoma average rent is about 30% of the median income, nationally that number is around 35% and on the coasts closer to 40%.

This means many Oklahomans, particularly in metro areas, spend a smaller share of their income on rent than the average U.S. renter.

Another user broke down their monthly expenses in a way that offers a tangible look at living costs:

If I rented an apartment, it’d cost $900/month, plus utilities—around $30–50 for water, $30 for sewage and trash, $100 for electricity, and $80 for internet.

That puts essential utilities between $200–$260 per month on top of rent—similar to what you’d expect in many Oklahoma cities.

However, affordability can shift dramatically outside major metros. One commenter noted:

If you don’t live in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, it is astronomically worse… those same businesses pay $8 an hour… And rent is slowly rising.

This reflects a common statewide challenge: wages in rural Oklahoma often lag behind urban areas, and rental prices are creeping upward even in smaller towns.

On the other hand, some residents say wages are better than outsiders might expect:

Jobs pay more than $20 per hour… Couple of living wage calculators by M.I.T. if you want to see where you fall into.

The thread’s consensus is that Oklahoma — especially cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City — offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with housing being a key advantage. 

But affordability depends heavily on location and occupation. 

Urban professionals with in-demand skills often find Oklahoma’s cost of living very manageable, while those in lower-paying jobs or rural areas may still face financial strain.

Future Outlook for the Cost of Living in Oklahoma (2025–2026)

Forecasts indicate moderate growth in Oklahoma’s housing market, with the median home price projected to rise from about $180,000 to $200,000 by late 2025, supported by recent data showing a 3.7% year-over-year increase in Oklahoma City’s median sale price to $280,000. 

Employment is also expected to expand, with state projections calling for roughly 42,000 new jobs in 2025, particularly in healthcare, energy and retail. 

While inflation will likely keep grocery and utility prices edging upward, Oklahoma’s diverse economy — from aerospace to agriculture — positions it to remain one of the most affordable states in the U.S..

Methodology: How We Calculated the Cost of Living in Oklahoma

This cost of living analysis for Oklahoma combines statewide and city-specific data from reputable sources including RentCafe, Bankrate, Zillow, the National Association of Realtors, SoFi, the MIT Living Wage Calculator, U.S. Census Bureau and state economic reports. 

Housing prices and rental rates were sourced from real estate databases and January 2025 market updates, while utility, grocery, transportation and healthcare figures were drawn from consumer price indexes, cost comparison tools and provider averages. 

Tax and insurance rates were compiled from state government resources, national insurance surveys, and industry benchmarks. Income and salary trends were based on historical U.S. Census data and local labor market reports. 

To add local context, qualitative insights were integrated from firsthand resident accounts on the r/Tulsa subreddit, with costs adjusted for broader statewide relevance.

Oklahoma Cost of Living: Conclusion

Oklahoma remains one of the most affordable states in the U.S., offering lower-than-average costs in housing, transportation, groceries and healthcare. 

Metro areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa provide the greatest value, with housing prices far below the national median and reasonable utility expenses. 

While affordability can drop in rural areas with lower wages and fewer job opportunities, many residents still find their income stretches further here than in other states. 

Overall, Oklahoma’s combination of lower living costs, stable job growth and diverse economic sectors makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.