Oklahoma cost of living
Moving to a new state is a big decision, and cost of living is a major factor. Whether you're relocating to Oklahoma for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, read on for some things to consider.
The median rent in Oklahoma is $1,252.14, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Oklahoma spend $279.16 weekly on food at home and $117.33 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.01 in Oklahoma.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Oklahoma pay $1,349 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Oklahoma
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Oklahoma is $1,252.14, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Oklahoma broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Oklahoma had a median cost of $772 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $918 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,117 and $1,277, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Oklahoma is $242,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Oklahoma City metro area was $251,000 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The Tulsa metro’s median home price was $250,000 during the same time period.
Oklahoma ranks No. 27 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.89%.
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Food costs in Oklahoma
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Oklahoma is $279.16, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Oklahoma residents spend an average of $117.33 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Oklahoma
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Oklahoma is $3.01, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Oklahoma is $1,094.66, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
We gave Oklahoma City the No. 30 spot in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. With the average fare coming in at only 74 cents in 2022, riders can get around affordably. The EMBARK system in Oklahoma City features a downtown streetcar with park-and-ride options, fixed-route buses, bikes and river cruises.
In the Tulsa area, MetroLink Tulsa (formerly Tulsa Transit) services nearly 200 square miles via bus.
Health care costs in Oklahoma
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Oklahoma employees $1,349 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,364 of the $6,713 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Oklahoma
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Oklahoma is $143.65, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Oklahoma costs $9.17 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
What are the most expensive cities in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City and Tulsa are the most expensive areas in Oklahoma in terms of housing prices, according to 2024 NAR median price data.
How much do I need to make to live in Oklahoma City?
Our 2024 study on income required to live in various U.S. cities showed that a single adult in Oklahoma City would need a salary of $49,916.23 to live comfortably.
How much do I need to make to live in Tulsa?
For our story on what it takes to make ends meet in various cities in 2024, we found that a single adult living in Tulsa would need a salary of $49,545.01 to live comfortably.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
