Living in Oklahoma is more than just OK. This warm, welcoming South Central state has everything from booming industries like agriculture and aviation to vibrant cities full of country music, sports and delicious barbecue. Outside the cities, prairies, forests and lakes offer spots for outdoor recreation and learning about the state’s deep and rich history. So, yes, Oklahoma is more than just an OK place to call home.
On top of all that, the cost of living in Oklahoma remains low and affordable. Nearly all cost of living categories, from housing to groceries, falls below the national average. But some cities and towns are more affordable than others. This cost of living guide breaks down what it costs to live in different places around Oklahoma so you can find the best place for your lifestyle and budget.
Oklahoma housing prices
Housing is one of Oklahoma’s most affordable cost of living areas. Housing prices in all major cities and towns are well below the national average. In some areas like Muskogee, it’s as low as 47 percent below the national average. But rental rates and the cost of buying a house can vary widely throughout the state. Luckily, Oklahoma has plenty of cheap places to live. Let’s look at the average rents and housing costs in cities and towns around Oklahoma.
Broken Arrow
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Broken Arrow is a popular suburb of Tulsa. The area is full of family-friendly things to do like exploring the Ray Harral Nature Park and spending time shopping and dining in the historic Rose District.
Another reason Broken Arrow is such a popular place to live in the Tulsa area is because of its affordable housing. The cost of housing here is 21.1 percent below the national average. Its attractively low housing costs appeal to everyone from families to young professionals working in Tulsa.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,096 per month, up 10 percent from last year. The cost for a two-bedroom apartment is up 13 percent to $1,284. However, three-bedroom units are down 57 percent to $900. At those prices, it’s better to rent the larger space and use the spare bedrooms as a home office or get roommates.
Compared to the national median home price of $430,982, buying a house in Broken Arrow is also very affordable. The housing market here is up 20.4 percent from the previous year. If you’re looking to become a homeowner in Broken Arrow, the median sale price here is $277,000.
Edmond
Edmond forms part of the larger Oklahoma City metro area. Located along the northern part of the metro area, an abundance of parks, low crime and safe neighborhoods endear this city to families. While all the big-city attractions of O.K.C. are close at hand, Edmond has its own active social scene, with dining, art and nightlife.
Overall, Edmond’s housing costs are 20.1 percent below the national average. If you’re looking for affordable housing within the O.K.C. metro area, Edmond is a great option. One-bedroom apartments are available for $852 a month and two-bedroom units for $1,037. There hasn’t been a lot of growth in the local rental market. These rates have only climbed 7 percent and 1 percent, respectively, since last year.
The housing market in Edmond has seen a bit more growth, climbing 16.1 percent from the previous year. With the median sales price of $358,750, Edmond is the most expensive city to buy a house in our highlighted Oklahoma cities.
Enid
With just over 50,000 residents, Enid is Oklahoma’s ninth-largest city. Located in the north-central part of the state, the city is well-known for its long-running symphony. Full of parks and family-oriented activities like children’s museums, it’s heralded as a great place to raise kids in a safe, friendly community.
Housing prices here are also 25.1 percent below the national average. Your friends in major coastal cities won’t believe what you pay for an apartment. One-bedroom apartments go for an average of $525 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are around $625. Both these numbers have held steady since last year, with no growth or decrease.
Enid is also an extremely affordable place to purchase a house. The housing market here has dropped significantly over the past year, decreasing an astonishing 82.7 percent. The median sale price for a house in Enid is only $39,900. If you have dreams of owning a home in Oklahoma, Enid is the place to set down roots.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma’s capital city is a hub for eclectic art ranging from galleries to street art murals, culture, dining, history and entertainment. It’s also the largest city in the state. Locals living here have access to everything from world-class museums to cheering on their hometown sports teams. The city is affectionately referred to as O.K.C. and its overall cost of living is one of the most affordable in the state.
Housing costs here are 30.4 percent below the national average. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for $997 and a two-bedroom unit for $1,327. These numbers are up 7 and 24 percent, respectively, from the previous year.
O.K.C.’s housing market is also experiencing growth, rising 15.2 percent from last year. If you want to buy a house in the state capital, $265,000 is the median sale price.
Tulsa
Known for its dazzling Art Deco architecture, sports and arts and culture scene, Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-biggest city. When not learning about the city’s history at venerated institutions like Greenwood Rising, which documents the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, or partaking in the multicultural food scene, locals spend time hiking, fishing and boating outside the city in the lush “Green Country” region.
The cost of housing here is 36.5 percent below the national average. But rates here have been climbing over the past year for both rent and home ownership. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment has risen 34 percent to $929. A two-bedroom apartment comes with a price tag of $1,109 per month, which is 24 percent higher than last year.
Compared to other major OK cities like Oklahoma City, buying a house in Tulsa is the most affordable in a big Oklahoma metro area. Rates have risen 18.4 percent from last year, making the median sales price $225,000.
Oklahoma food prices
From fried okra to barbecue to Indian tacos, Oklahoma is famous for its homegrown cuisine and dishes. Oklahoma also has a booming agriculture and farming industry. Overall, food costs in Oklahoma fall 5.4 percent below the national average. With Okies spending between $200 and $233 per month per person on food, that puts Oklahoma among the lowest states for food costs.
This is how food costs in these different Oklahoma cities compare to the national average:
- Edmond is 11.5 percent below the national average
- Oklahoma City is 7.8 percent below the national average
- Enid is 7.3 percent below the national average
- Tulsa is 5.6 percent below the national average
- Broken Arrow is 4.5 percent below the national average
Food costs here are closer to the national average than in other areas like housing. Edmond is the least expensive city for groceries in the state. Broken Arrow is the most expensive. Buying a dozen eggs in Edmond costs $1.38 compared to $1.85 in Broken Arrow. But lower or higher averages may not always be reflected in prices for specific items. A half-gallon of milk actually costs less in Broken Arrow at $2.18. In Edmond, it costs $2.28. A half-gallon of milk is most expensive in Enid, costing $2.48.
With so many different and delicious kinds of food available around the state, Oklahomans have plenty of opportunities to dine out. Going out for a three-course meal for two will cost more in a big city compared to a small one. You’ll pay the most for a nice date night meal out in Tulsa at $46.50, followed by Oklahoma City at $45. But in Edmond, it will only set you back $25.
Oklahoma utility prices
When paying for the cost of living in Oklahoma for utilities like water and electricity, Okies pay less than the national average throughout the state. Oklahoma gets the majority of its electricity and energy from natural gas and coal. But renewable energy like wind power and hydroelectricity are starting to account for more of its energy production. As the song goes, “when the wind goes sweeping down the plain” also makes for a significant renewable energy resource.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for utilities compared to the national average in these Oklahoma cities:
- Broken Arrow is 6.9 percent below the national average
- Tulsa is 6.9 percent below the national average
- Oklahoma City is 6.5 percent below the national average
- Edmond is 3.8 percent below the national average
- Enid is 2.6 percent below the national average
Residents of metro areas like Tulsa and Oklahoma City pay less for utilities than more remote, isolated cities like Enid. In Broken Arrow, the monthly total energy bill comes out to around $150.78. As one of the priciest cities for utilities, total energy bills in Enid are around $163.59. The average water bill around Oklahoma is $33.
Internet is also another important modern utility. Internet is less expensive in big cities like Tulsa, where a 60 megabits-per-second package costs $66.22. But in Edmond, the same level of spend and access costs $77.
Oklahoma transportation prices
Using public transportation is a great way to reduce commuting time and save money on gas and other vehicle costs. It’s also more environmentally friendly. Most Oklahoma cities and towns offer some form of mass transit to their citizens. For the most part, the cost of using public transit in Oklahoma cities is below the national average. Here’s how these different cities stack up to the national average:
- Enid is 12.8 percent below the national average
- Broken Arrow is 12.2 percent below the national average
- Oklahoma City is 10.1 percent below the national average
- Tulsa is 7.4 percent below the national average
- Edmond is 6 percent below the national average
Public transportation costs are lowest in Enid, where the city operates an on-demand rideshare service costing $2 per ride. Edmond’s Citylink bus service is free to the public, with five different bus routes through the city and connecting to Oklahoma City. Let’s dive further into the more extensive mass transit systems in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Broken Arrow.
Tulsa Transit in Tulsa and Broken Arrow
Tulsa Transit offers bus-based public transit to Tulsa and nearby Broken Arrow. It has 21 different routes throughout the area. Service is limited within Broken Arrow, but residents have access to a Park & Ride express that connects Broken Arrow to downtown Tulsa. Starting fares are $1.75 for a two-hour pass. A full-day pass costs $3.75 and a monthly pass is $45.
If you prefer to use your car to get around Tulsa and Broken Arrow, you may have to pay tolls on the Creek Turnpike. This 33-mile toll road forms a beltway around the eastern and southern parts of the city. Traveling the full length of the turnpike in a standard 2-axle passenger vehicle costs $3.00 with a PikePass and $3.75 without.
However, having a car may still be a necessity in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Tulsa’s transit score is only 25. This means that most locals don’t live close to public transit or say that it’s necessary to have a car here. Broken Arrow scores even lower at 17. Tulsa fares slightly better for walk and bike scores. Although not the most walk- and bike-friendly cities overall with scores of 44 and 49, respectively, there are still pockets of town you can navigate by foot or bike. Broken Arrow’s walk and bike scores are even lower at 20 and 33. So, while you can definitely get around the Tulsa metro area by bike, you should have a car, as well.
EMBARK in Oklahoma City
Consisting of buses and streetcars, EMBARK provides public transit throughout Oklahoma City and its metro area. Riders have a choice of 22 different fixed bus routes and two different streetcar routes around the city center. A single trip costs $1.75 for a bus ride and $1 for the street car. You can use both buses and street cars with an unlimited pass, which cost $4 for a day, $14 for a week and $50 for a month.
Ferries and water taxis also travel along the Oklahoma River in the heart of town. The public transit ferry travels between five different landings along the river. Using this service costs $12 a day. The Bricktown Water Taxis travel along the river through the popular Bricktown District, costing $13. However, both these services are primarily aimed at tourists and are not the most economical or efficient means of commuting or getting around town.
While there are no toll roads within Oklahoma City, there is one outside of town. The Turner Turnpike connects Oklahoma City to Tulsa. Using the full toll road costs $4.50 with PikePass and $5 without.
Most likely, it’s necessary to have a car in Oklahoma City, as well. The transit score is a low 22. Some districts and neighborhoods, especially in the city center, are good for walking and cycling. But Oklahoma City’s walk and bike scores are still low, with the walk score is 43 and its bike score is 48.
Oklahoma healthcare prices
Healthcare is one of the few cost of living areas where some Oklahoma cities exceed the national average. Overall, Oklahoma ranks among the bottom states for quality of healthcare, access and public health in general. It’s important to note that determining an accurate healthcare average is difficult due to how variable healthcare costs are per person. Due to factors like pre-existing conditions or insurance plans, some people within a certain city may pay far more for healthcare than other locals.
Although personal circumstances vary, it’s recommended to see your doctor, dentist and optometrist on an annual basis. This allows you to stay on top of your health. Here’s what it costs to go to the doctor’s office in these different Oklahoma cities:
- Enid: $150
- Tulsa: $128.67
- Oklahoma City: $104.67
- Broken Arrow: $98.83
- Edmond: $96.41
Enid soars above the other cities with the priciest doctor visits while Edmond takes the lowest spot. You’ll also be paying a lot to visit the doctor in different metro areas. Considering Enid’s high healthcare prices, it’s no surprise that its healthcare average tops the national average. Here’s how the other cities fare compared to the national average:
- Broken Arrow is 11.4 percent below the national average
- Edmond is 7.4 percent below the national average
- Tulsa is 1.4 percent below the national average
- Oklahoma City is 1.1 percent above the national average
- Enid is 2.5 percent above the national average
Healthcare costs in Broken Arrow are the lowest below the national average. Right in its own metro area, though, Oklahoma City’s healthcare costs peek over the national average. But the cost of specific types of care does vary by city, as well. For example, Enid has the lowest price for a dental check-up. Going for a cleaning and check-up in Enid costs $85. But in Oklahoma City, it’s $118.
Oklahoma goods and services prices
The final cost of living category to consider is miscellaneous goods and services. This category covers important but non-essential activities and goods. Some relate to leisure and lifestyle, like going out to the movies. Others are for buying goods like toothpaste.
Since Oklahoma is overall an inexpensive state, for the most part, these goods and services fall below the national average in terms of cost:
- Oklahoma City is 13.5 percent below the national average
- Enid is 11.6 percent below the national average
- Edmond is 7.9 percent below the national average
- Broken Arrow is 6.4 percent below the national average
- Tulsa is 3.3 percent below the national average
But it’s not completely black and white. Individual costs do vary by city, though. The most expensive place to get a haircut is Broken Arrow at $21.75. Edmond offers the cheapest price at $16.17. Going to the movies costs $6.09 in Enid compared to $9.84 in Tulsa.
With its wide-open landscapes, friendly cities and low cost of living, Oklahoma is a popular place to raise kids and have a family. If that’s the case for you, you also need to consider childcare costs as part of a monthly budget. You’ll find the most affordable childcare in bigger cities. A month of private preschool or kindergarten for one child costs $795.86 in Tulsa and $500 in Oklahoma City. But in a smaller city like Edmond, you’re looking at a big price jump to $1,000.
Taxes in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s state sales tax is 4.5 percent. To put that into real-life figures, for every $1,000 you spend on delicious Oklahoma barbecue, you’re paying an extra $45 in tax.
Some cities and counties add their own local taxes to the statewide rate. In some areas, the number jumps significantly.
- Enid has a combined tax of 9.1 percent
- Broken Arrow has a combined tax of 8.42 percent
- Oklahoma City has a combined tax of 8.63 percent
- Tulsa has a combined tax of 8.517 percent
- Edmond has a combined tax of 8.5 percent
As you can see, you’ll be paying the most sales tax living in Enid. Instead of $45 in tax for every $1,000 spent, you’d be spending $91. That’s a big jump.
How much do I need to earn to live in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s cost of living is low and likely within the budget of a lot of people. But there’s one way to determine if living in Oklahoma fits your budget. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing. This is because housing is usually your biggest monthly expenditure. By only paying 30 percent, you leave plenty left over for other necessities like groceries, taxes and fun activities.
Since the average rent in Oklahoma is $797, you’d need to make $2,656 monthly or $31,872 annually to fit the 30 percent rule. Oklahoma’s median household income is $53,840, so most residents should comfortably afford housing and all other cost-of-living essentials here.
To figure out what city in Oklahoma best fits your budget, use our rent calculator.
Living in Oklahoma
With low prices for everything from housing to groceries, the cost of living in Oklahoma is just one of the benefits of living here. In addition to saving more on essentials, you also get to live in a state that offers equal-parts exciting cities full of history and culture and vast landscapes. As the song goes, the land we belong to in Oklahoma is grand and affordable to boot. You’re doing fine, Oklahoma!
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The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022. Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Source: rent.com