Median rent is 42% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,083/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $215,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $66,702 a year). Taken together, Oklahoma City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.4 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oklahoma City, OK.
Quick verdict
Oklahoma City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.4 in Oklahoma City vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Oklahoma City, OK
How much would you need to earn in Oklahoma City, OK to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Oklahoma City, OK
$60,466
You could earn $14,534 less (19% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Oklahoma City — median rent of $1,083/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $215,100 in Oklahoma City — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.75% in Oklahoma, so Oklahoma City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.50% in Oklahoma; Oklahoma City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Oklahoma City
Income tax: 4.75%
Sales tax: 4.50%
Oklahoma City has cleaner air on average: 51.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,083/mo median).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 51.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Oklahoma City.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Oklahoma City?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,083/mo in Oklahoma City, OK. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $66,702 in Oklahoma City, OK. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Oklahoma City, OK has better air quality on average: 51.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Oklahoma City?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Oklahoma's is 4.75%. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Oklahoma City to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $80,622 in Oklahoma City, OK (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology