Is Oklahoma City, OK cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Oklahoma City, OK is 9.8% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $738 per month.

What salary do I need in Oklahoma City, OK to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $141,139.896 in Oklahoma City, OK to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Oklahoma City, OK?

Housing in Oklahoma City, OK is 12.2% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,270/month in Oklahoma City, OK compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Oklahoma City, OK?

Moving from Houston, TX to Oklahoma City, OK could save you approximately $738 per month, or $8860 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Houston, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $738/month moving to Oklahoma City, OK

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.1K in Oklahoma City, OK

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$738

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$245K

Oklahoma City, OK

Population:696K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$197K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Oklahoma City, OK

The Sooner State

696K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oklahoma, this city has a population of 696K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Houston, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK

Category	Houston, TX	Oklahoma City, OK	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,191/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $268less	12.2%
Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,270/mo	↓ $179less	12.3%
Other	$1,768/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $177less	10.0%
All Utilities	$552/mo	$519/mo	↓ $33.33less	6.0%
Groceries	$911/mo	$899/mo	↓ $11.99less	1.3%
Healthcare	$562/mo	$551/mo	↓ $10.53less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 12.2%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Oklahoma City, OK

$1,923

Difference

$268

less

Transportation

↓ 12.3%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Oklahoma City, OK

$1,270

Difference

$179

less

Other

↓ 10.0%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Oklahoma City, OK

$1,590

Difference

$177

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Oklahoma City, OK

$519

Difference

$33.33

less

Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Oklahoma City, OK

$899

Difference

$11.99

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.9%

Houston, TX

$562

Oklahoma City, OK

$551

Difference

$10.53

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$960

↓ $260

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,040

↓ $220

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,270

↓ $230

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,710

↓ $310

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

Oklahoma City, OKZIP-level data

1BR range: $780–$1,530/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,754

Monthly in Oklahoma City, OK

$680

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Oklahoma City

$245K

Median Value

$197K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.5%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$92K - $623K

Homes in Oklahoma City are 20% less expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Oklahoma City

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$607

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Oklahoma City, OK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oklahoma State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Additional Tax Information

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Oklahoma City, OK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.9%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.