Median rent is 19% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,130/mo vs $1,392/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $231,300 versus $373,700. Households earn more in Oklahoma City ($68,656 vs $52,060 a year). Taken together, Oklahoma City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.4 against 112.6 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oklahoma City, OK.
Cost of living verdict
Oklahoma City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.4 in Oklahoma City vs 112.6 in Newark (US national average = 100)
City A
Newark, NJ
City B
Oklahoma City, OK
How much would you need to earn in Oklahoma City, OK to maintain your standard of living from Newark, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Oklahoma City, OK
$60,885
You could earn $14,115 less (19% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Newark
New Jersey
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Oklahoma City at $1,130/mo compared to $1,392/mo in Newark (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Newark: the median home is $373,700 versus $231,300 in Oklahoma City — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Newark
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Oklahoma City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Newark has cleaner air on average: 46.0 AQI (Good) compared to 48.0 AQI (Good) 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 112.6).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize higher median household income ($68,656/yr).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,130/mo median).
Is Newark cheaper than Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.4 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Oklahoma City.
How much is rent in Newark vs Oklahoma City?
Median rent is $1,392/mo in Newark, NJ and $1,130/mo in Oklahoma City, OK. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Newark or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $52,060 in Newark, NJ and $68,656 in Oklahoma City, OK. Oklahoma City, OK 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?
Newark, NJ has better air quality on average: 46.0 AQI versus 48.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Newark or Oklahoma City?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Oklahoma City to match my Newark income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newark, NJ is equivalent to roughly $81,180 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
