Median rent is 54% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,130/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $231,300 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $68,656 a year). Taken together, Oklahoma City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.4 against 117.6 — about 22% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Oklahoma City is 22% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.4 in Oklahoma City vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Oklahoma City, OK
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Oklahoma City, OK?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$96,411
You'd need $21,411 more (29% higher).
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
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
San Francisco
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Oklahoma City — median rent of $1,130/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 54% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $231,300 in Oklahoma City — 83% 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.
Oklahoma City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Oklahoma City (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.4 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,130/mo median).
Is Oklahoma City cheaper than San Francisco?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.4 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 22% lower in Oklahoma City.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,130/mo in Oklahoma City, OK and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 54%.
Which has higher salaries — Oklahoma City or San Francisco?
Median household income is $68,656 in Oklahoma City, OK and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Oklahoma City or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Oklahoma City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Oklahoma City, OK is equivalent to roughly $128,548 in San Francisco, CA (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
