Denver vs Oklahoma City

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Oklahoma salaries

Living in Denver vs Oklahoma City

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Oklahoma City sits at 68 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $195,000 in Oklahoma City, a difference of $325,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,000 in Oklahoma City.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Oklahoma City scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Oklahoma City (92).

Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $55,458 in Oklahoma City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Oklahoma City.

Relocating: Denver vs Oklahoma City

If you are considering a move between Denver (index: 118) and Oklahoma City (index: 87), the 26% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Oklahoma City is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Denver can afford $1,695/month, while the median household in Oklahoma City can afford $1,294/month. With median homes at $520,000 in Denver versus $195,000 in Oklahoma City, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $1,900/month in Denver and $1,000/month in Oklahoma City, renters save significantly in Oklahoma City. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Oklahoma City where costs are 13% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Denver (118) vs Oklahoma City (87)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Denver at 118 is 18% above the US average, while Oklahoma City at 87 is 13% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

Denver costs meaningfully more than Oklahoma City, with a 31-point composite gap that translates to real differences in rent, groceries, and daily expenses. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Denver scores 152 and Oklahoma City scores 68. That 84-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Oklahoma City with indices of 68 versus 152. Median home prices of $520,000 in Denver and $195,000 in Oklahoma City underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $1,900/month in Denver and $1,000/month in Oklahoma City, the annual rent difference is approximately $10,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $54,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $325,000 difference in median home prices between Denver and Oklahoma City translates to roughly $19,500 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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