Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Oklahoma City is 26% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $55,297 in Oklahoma City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Oklahoma salaries
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.
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