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Oklahoma City vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Chicago is 24% more expensive than Oklahoma City overall.Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 86 vs Chicago at 107 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Chicago costs 67% less.

Pierre
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Oklahoma City
OK
86
COLI index
VS
Chicago
IL
107
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryOklahoma CityChicagoDifference
Overall COLI86107+24%
Housing78130+67%
Groceries100105+5%
Transport100108+8%
Healthcare100103+3%
Utilities107112+5%

Median 1BR Rent

Oklahoma City
$1,050/mo
Chicago
$1,750/mo

Median Home Price

Oklahoma City
$215,000
Chicago
$310,000

Median Household Income

Oklahoma City
$56,199
Chicago
$62,097

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Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in overall. Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 86 while Chicago has an index of 107, where 100 represents the US national average. Chicago is 24% more expensive than Oklahoma City overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Oklahoma City is $1,050 per month compared to $1,750 in Chicago. The median home price in Oklahoma City is $215,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 86 and Chicago has an index of 107, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Oklahoma City, multiply by 1.24. For example a $75,000 salary in Oklahoma City is equivalent to approximately $93,314 in Chicago.

Oklahoma City has a median household income of $56,199 per year versus $62,097 in Chicago. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Oklahoma City to Chicago is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Chicago is 24% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.