Oklahoma City vs Dallas: Cost of Living Comparison
Compare cost of living between Oklahoma City, OK and Dallas, TX. Side-by-side breakdown of housing costs, rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, state taxes, and salary equivalents.
vs
City A
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
Cost Index90.4
Median Rent$1,130/mo
Median Income$69K
State Tax4.75%
Below Average
Better value overall
City B
Dallas
Texas
Cost Index103.1
Median Rent$1,472/mo
Median Income$71K
State TaxNone
Average
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much would you need in Dallas to match your lifestyle in Oklahoma City?
$80,000
Oklahoma City
$80,000
Cost Index: 90.4
Dallas
$91,222
Cost Index: 103.1
You need +$11,222 more in Dallas to maintain the same lifestyle.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index scores where 100 = national average. Green highlights the city with the advantage.
Overall Cost Index+14.0%
Oklahoma City90.4
Dallas103.1
Median Rent+30.3%
Oklahoma City$1K
Dallas$1K
Median Income+2.7%
Oklahoma City$69K
Dallas$71K
Grocery Index+243.1%
Oklahoma City100.0
Dallas343.1
Utilities Index~equal
Oklahoma City100.0
Dallas100.0
Transportation+190.5%
Oklahoma City100.0
Dallas290.5
Healthcare~equal
Oklahoma City100.0
Dallas100.0
State Tax Rate-100.0%
Oklahoma City4.75%
DallasNone
Side-by-Side Chart
Oklahoma City: Pros & Cons
14% lower overall cost of living
Lower rent — $1,130/mo vs $1,472/mo
Lower grocery costs
Higher state income tax (4.75%)
Dallas: Pros & Cons
Higher median income ($71K)
Lower state income tax (none)
14% higher overall cost of living
Higher rent — $1,472/mo vs $1,130/mo
Oklahoma City vs Dallas – FAQ
Common questions about comparing cost of living between Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 90.4, while Dallas scores 103.1. Dallas is approximately 14.0% more expensive overall. This comparison accounts for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
Median 2-bedroom rent in Oklahoma City is $1,130/month compared to $1,472/month in Dallas — a difference of 30%. Rent is typically the largest monthly expense, so this significantly impacts overall affordability.
Due to cost of living differences, you would need approximately 114% of your Oklahoma City salary to maintain the same standard of living in Dallas. For example, a $75,000 salary in Oklahoma City would need to be about $85,521 in Dallas. Use the salary slider above to calculate your specific equivalent.
The cost of living index is calculated using data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), US Census Bureau (median incomes and home values), HUD (Fair Market Rents), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (consumer price data). A score of 100 represents the national average. Scores above 100 indicate higher-than-average costs, while scores below 100 are more affordable.
Oklahoma City has a median household income of $68,656 with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Dallas has a median household income of $70,518 with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. While income is higher in Dallas, remember to factor in cost of living when comparing real purchasing power.
Beyond cost of living, consider: (1) state income tax differences — some states have no income tax; (2) housing market trends and whether to rent or buy; (3) job market strength in your industry; (4) healthcare costs and access; (5) climate and lifestyle preferences; (6) commute times and transportation options; and (7) proximity to family. Our comparison tool covers the financial factors, but quality of life matters too.