Cost of Living: Raleigh vs Oklahoma City (2026)
Oklahoma City has a 17% lower overall cost of living than Raleigh as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Oklahoma City vs $1,700/mo in Raleigh — a 55% difference.
- Oklahoma City is 17% cheaper overall (COL index: 101 vs 86)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Oklahoma City vs $1,700/mo — 35% savings
- Higher median household income: Raleigh ($70,000/yr vs $54,000/yr)
- Median home price: $225,000 in Oklahoma City vs $380,000 — 41% difference
| Category | Raleigh North Carolina | Oklahoma City Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400 | $900Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,700 | $1,100Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200 | $1,400Best |
| Median home price | $380K | $225KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 | 93Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13 | $11Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $55 | $48Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $70 | $50Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10 | $2.95Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $155 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150Best | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $60 | $55Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $70KBest | $54K |
| State income tax% | 4.5%Best | 4.8% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5%Best | 8.6% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00 | $13.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $40 | $30Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00 | $5.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 101 | 86Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 27Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Oklahoma City?
No. Oklahoma City is 17% cheaper than Raleigh based on overall cost of living indices (86 vs 101, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Raleigh vs Oklahoma City?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh is $1,700/month and in Oklahoma City is $1,100/month. Raleigh is more expensive by 55%.
How much do I need to earn in Oklahoma City to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $63,861/year in Oklahoma City to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Raleigh or Oklahoma City?
Raleigh has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 4.8%. The difference is 0.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Raleigh to Oklahoma City?
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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