Cost of Living: Oklahoma City vs Chicago (2026)
Oklahoma City has a 20% lower overall cost of living than Chicago as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Oklahoma City vs $1,900/mo in Chicago — a 42% difference.
- Oklahoma City is 20% cheaper overall (COL index: 86 vs 107)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Oklahoma City vs $1,900/mo — 42% savings
- Higher median household income: Chicago ($67,000/yr vs $54,000/yr)
- Median home price: $225,000 in Oklahoma City vs $360,000 — 38% difference
| Category | Oklahoma City Oklahoma | Chicago Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $225KBest | $360K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 93Best | 102 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Best | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $50Best | $105 |
| Gas price/gal | $2.95Best | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $155Best | $165 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $175 | $165Best |
| Internet/mo | $55Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $54K | $67KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.8%Best | 4.9% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.6%Best | 10.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $30Best | $45 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 86Best | 107 |
| Walk score / 100 | 27 | 78Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Oklahoma City cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Oklahoma City is 20% cheaper than Chicago based on overall cost of living indices (86 vs 107, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Oklahoma City vs Chicago?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Oklahoma City is $1,100/month and in Chicago is $1,900/month. Oklahoma City is cheaper by 42%.
How much do I need to earn in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in Oklahoma City?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $93,314/year in Chicago to match a $75,000 salary in Oklahoma City. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Oklahoma City or Chicago?
Oklahoma City has the lower state income tax rate at 4.8% vs 4.9%. The difference is 0.1 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Oklahoma City to Chicago?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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