Median rent is 44% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,130/mo vs $2,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $231,300 versus $938,600. Households earn more in Seattle ($123,860 vs $68,656 a year). Taken together, Oklahoma City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.4 against 112.7 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Cost of living verdict
Oklahoma City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.4 in Oklahoma City vs 112.7 in Seattle (US national average = 100)
City A
Oklahoma City, OK
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Oklahoma City, OK?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$92,458
You'd need $17,458 more (23% 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
Seattle
Washington
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 $2,030/mo in Seattle, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $938,600 versus $231,300 in Oklahoma City — 75% 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
Seattle
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Oklahoma City has cleaner air on average: 48.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 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 112.7).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,860/yr).
Pick Oklahoma City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,130/mo median).
Is Oklahoma City cheaper than Seattle?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.4 versus 112.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Oklahoma City.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,130/mo in Oklahoma City, OK and $2,030/mo in Seattle, WA. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Oklahoma City or Seattle?
Median household income is $68,656 in Oklahoma City, OK and $123,860 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA 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: 48.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Oklahoma City or Seattle?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Seattle 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 $123,277 in Seattle, WA (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
