Arizona vs Oklahoma Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$88,548
in Oklahoma
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arizona | Oklahoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 68.8 | +85% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 95.4 | +7% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 98.2 | +6% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 88.8 | +15% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 97.1 | -4% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 87.6 | +20% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 84.7 | +30% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | Oklahoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $190,000 | +$205,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $963/mo | +$819 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.01/gal | +$0.96 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $81/mo | +$32 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $12,468/yr | +$3,157 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → Oklahoma
What a Arizona salary buys you in Oklahoma, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in Oklahoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $38,395 | +$11,605 |
| $75,000 | $57,593 | +$17,407 |
| $100,000 | $76,791 | +$23,209 |
| $150,000 | $115,186 | +$34,814 |
| $200,000 | $153,581 | +$46,419 |
Positive = your money goes further in Oklahoma. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arizona is 30% more expensive than Oklahoma overall. Arizona has an index of 110.3 vs 84.7 for Oklahoma (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is cheaper to live in. Arizona is 30% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $190,000 in Oklahoma.
Is Oklahoma cheaper than Arizona?
Yes, Oklahoma is 30% cheaper than Arizona overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Arizona more expensive than Oklahoma?
Yes, Arizona is 30% more expensive than Oklahoma based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Oklahoma equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $76,791 in Oklahoma. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 84.7).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and Oklahoma?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Oklahoma. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $190,000 in Oklahoma — a $205,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $963/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs Oklahoma?
Housing is 85% higher in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 68.8). Dining & Misc is 20% higher in Arizona (index 105.2 vs 87.6). Transportation is 15% higher in Arizona (index 102.1 vs 88.8).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or Oklahoma?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.01/gallon in Oklahoma — a $0.96 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs Oklahoma cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Oklahoma has 84.7 (national average = 100). Arizona is 30% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oklahoma?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.50%, reduced from a progressive system in 2023. Oklahoma uses a progressive income tax with three brackets and a top rate of 4.50% for 2026 (reduced from 4.75% in 2025). Oklahoma has been gradually cutting its income tax rate — it was 5.0% as recently as 2022. Combined with low cost of living, Oklahoma offers strong purchasing power for mid-range salaries. Use the Arizona vs Oklahoma paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Arizona and Oklahoma?
Arizona requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Oklahoma requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Oklahoma Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs Oklahoma Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Oklahoma — How much house can you afford?
- Arizona Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Oklahoma Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arizona Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Oklahoma Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Arizona Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Oklahoma Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.