Oklahoma City is one of the best mid-size cities to live in the country! The Big Friendly is an ideal place to call home, thanks to its affordable housing market and activities for all ages. However, residents don’t like that OKC does deal with severe weather in the spring and has a sprawling metro. To help you decide if moving here is right for you, here are the pros and cons of living in Oklahoma City!
Quick Facts About Oklahoma City
| Population | 649,821 |
| Average Home Price | $328,541 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $819 |
| Median Salary | $56,456 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% |
Statistics from AreaVibes & Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
Pros of Living in Oklahoma City
There are plenty of reasons to move to OKC, including its affordable cost of living, family friendliness, and entertainment options. Take a look at these and other benefits of living in Oklahoma City below.
Pro: Affordable Living in Oklahoma
If you’re considering moving to OKC for affordability, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is 19% below the national average. One of the most affordable cities to live in, OKC’s cost of groceries, utilities, and transportation is well below what you would pay in other large metros.
This Southern city also offers housing options that are 41% lower than the national average. With average home prices around $328,541 and rent around $819, Oklahoma City is a great place for those wanting to buy a home or rent an apartment.
Pro: Variety of Jobs in Oklahoma City
Whether you’re a young professional looking to start a career or are relocating for a job, Oklahoma City offers a strong market, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%.
Job-seekers can easily find employment in popular industries like energy, bioscience, healthcare, aerospace, transportation and logistics, and the public sector. And OKC hosts Fortune 500 companies in the energy sector, such as Devon Energy and Expand Energy. Seek employment in healthcare at INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, or OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center.
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Pro: Top-Notch OKC Colleges & Universities
OKC offers college students a large selection of universities to pursue career-focused programs without leaving home. Here are the top colleges and universities in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area:
- Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City offers online and in-person associate degrees in applied science or bachelor’s degrees in information technology with a cybersecurity concentration.
- Oklahoma City University offers degrees in acting, biochemistry, exercise science, and more.
- Oklahoma Christian University is popular for degrees in computer science, nursing, and medical library sciences.
- University of Oklahoma offers highly regarded programs in aerospace engineering, advertising, and ballet performance.
- The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine offers medical students the chance to earn degrees in anesthesiology, neurology, and ophthalmology.
- Oklahoma City Community College offers associate degrees in childhood development, business, automotive technology, and more.
Pro: Native American Culture
OKC is home to Native American cultures whose influence is a vibrant part of the city. There are 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, many of which are in OKC. From native artists and murals to cultural centers, the city continues to celebrate Native American heritage.
- First Americans Museum: Learn about the history, culture, and art of Indigenous peoples, with immersive exhibits and educational experiences.
- Pow Wow Club: Attend Native American pow wows featuring traditional dancing, drumming, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and family-friendly events.
- Red Earth Festival: Experience one of the country’s premier Native art markets, with more than 130 Indigenous artists selling paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more.
- Native Murals in OKC: Visit public murals created by Native artists like Earth to Sky and Strength of the Woman in Bricktown, which celebrate Indigenous culture and stories.
Pro: Welcoming Social Scene
Known as The Big Friendly, Oklahoma City stands out for its blend of Midwestern kindness and Southern hospitality. As one of the friendliest cities in America, OKC offers residents a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere where neighbors strike up conversations, newcomers feel welcome, and the city maintains a small-town feel even as it grows.
Pro: Top City for Veterans
Oklahoma City is one of the most widely recognized places for veterans and military retirees to call home. With access to Tinker Air Force Base and VA hospitals, clinics, and support programs, OKC offers resources for those who have served. Along with offering tax breaks, affordable housing, and accessible local events, Oklahoma City is an appealing retirement destination for vets.
Pro: Family Activities in Oklahoma City
OKC is full of family-friendly activities that appeal to kiddos of all ages. With many kid activities, families can easily create lasting memories together.
- Oklahoma City Zoo: See hundreds of animals, explore habitats, & enjoy interactive exhibits
- Science Museum Oklahoma: Learn about science & space through hands-on exhibits
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Immerse the family in Old Western culture & history
- Frontier City: Enjoy thrilling rides & water attractions
- Blue Zoo: Learn about marine life through touch tanks & interactive exhibits
- Myriad Botanical Gardens: Stroll through 15+ acres, take in the breathtaking greenery, & take fun classes
Pro: Check Out OKC’s Arts Scene
Oklahoma City offers a surprisingly plentiful art and culture scene—with vibrant galleries, museums, theaters, and annual festivals throughout the city, including the ones listed below.
- See Broadway shows, ballet performances, and concerts at the Civic Center Music Hall.
- Admire artwork or watch a film at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
- Take a class, attend a show, and more at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.
- Enjoy artwork from local and national artists, see musical and dance performances, or experience some of the best food Oklahoma City has to offer during the annual Festival of Arts.
- See Contemporary artwork through rotating exhibits at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.
Pro: Amazing Food Scene
Oklahoma City serves up flavors from hearty, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ to New Orleans-inspired fare. Each OKC restaurant offers a unique take, making every meal different. With a large selection of eateries, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
- Cafe Kacao for Guatemalan & Latin-inspired breakfast
- The Press for American & Southwestern-inspired comfort food
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse for steakhouse classics
- Bedlam Bar-B-Q for the best BBQ in OKC
- Cheever’s Cafe to try Southern cuisine
- Bourbon St Cafe to taste New Orleans-inspired entrees
Pro: Local Oklahoma City Breweries
There is no shortage of breweries in Oklahoma City. Enjoy tasting seasonal brews that showcase the city’s beer culture. Top spots include:
- COOP Ale Works for IPAs, ales, & lagers
- Stonecloud Brewing Company for its hazy IPAs & crafted seasonal beers
- Anthem Brewing for its electric lineup of craft beers
- Prairie Artisan Ales for farmhouse ales, imperial stouts, & a game of pickleball.
- Skydance Brewing Co. for drinking ales with friends at a Native American-owned company
- Roughtail Brewing Company for weekly fun events & limited-release beers
Pro: Easy Traffic, Parking, & Proximity to Other Cities
Compared to other large metros, getting around OKC is quick. The average commute time is 21.3 minutes, giving residents less time in traffic and more time to enjoy activities outside of work. Parking in Downtown Oklahoma City is relatively easy, with many parking lots and garages available at a low cost.
The city’s central location makes traveling to other cities simple. Located on Route 66, you can plan classic summer road trips with popular stops in Flagstaff, St. Louis, and Amarillo.
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Cons of Living in Oklahoma City
There are also plenty of disadvantages to living in Oklahoma City. Whether you’re concerned about the weather or limited public transportation, here are a few things to consider before moving to Oklahoma City.
Con: Severe Weather Storms
Oklahoma City is known for its extreme severe weather, sitting near the heart of Tornado Alley. OKC is one of the most tornado-prone cities. From April to June, residents keep an eye on the forecast and maintain a storm shelter stocked with emergency supplies. Since residents are used to the weather, the city is all about weather communication. The city-wide storm alert system includes sirens, local media updates, weather radios, and official government social media pages to alert residents when they need to take shelter.
Con: Humid & Hot Summers
Influenced by its humid subtropical climate, summers in Oklahoma City tend to be hot and humid. July is the hottest month of the year, with the temperature averaging close to 100 degrees. The high humidity makes the heat feel more intense, prompting residents to spend more time indoors.
Con: Car-Dependent City
Even though Oklahoma City offers public transit, including buses and a downtown streetcar, 82.3% of residents rely on a car to get around the city. Oklahoma City’s public transit primarily serves downtown, making it difficult for those coming from the suburbs and neighborhoods to use it.
Con: Hit & Miss Public Education
Oklahoma City’s education system can be a challenge, with many public schools receiving C or lower ratings and the state ranking 47th in per-pupil spending. Oklahoma also faces a teacher shortage, which is impacting class size, resources, and the learning experience. However, there are still plenty of highly-ranked public and private schools in Oklahoma City, giving families options for quality education for their kids.
Con: Low Hourly Pay
A significant drawback to moving to Oklahoma City is the low wages. The mean hourly wage in OKC is $27.95, far below the national average of $32.66. While Oklahoma City is affordable, lower wages can make it harder for residents to live outside of a budget. The good news is that the government is working to improve pay: Senate Bill 1268 would increase Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $13 from $7.25—the first increase since 2009.
Con: Expensive Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance in Oklahoma City is significantly above the national average, with premiums costing residents 119% more for single-family homes. Oklahoma ranks among the highest-cost states because of the risk of severe weather. Even though homeowners insurance is expensive, the cost of living is still more affordable than in other cities, and the city offers safe, budget-friendly neighborhoods.
Con: Aging Utilities & Infrastructure
Like many long-established cities, Oklahoma City continues to deal with aging utilities and infrastructure. In a given year, OKC anticipates 600 to 800 emergency water main breaks, leading to ongoing repairs. To help with this, the city has doubled its water infrastructure budget to $20 million yearly. Roads are also a problem—32% of the city’s major roadways are in poor condition, costing drivers around $2,571 annually in repairs. The city is also repairing 643 bridges as part of an eight-year construction plan to improve safety.
Con: Lack of Diversity
Newcomers may find that Oklahoma City has limited diversity, making it difficult to find social groups that match their hobbies or demographics. While OKC’s population is 50% white, diversity is increasing, with a growing Hispanic, African American, and Asian community.
Oklahoma City also has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, celebrated through events like Oklahoma PrideFest (which is hosted by the Oklahoma Pride Alliance) and represented in neighborhoods like the 39th Street District and LGBTQ-owned businesses. The Diversity Center of Oklahoma helps newcomers connect with inclusive social and cultural groups, too.
Should You Move to Oklahoma City?
Yes, you should move to Oklahoma City if you value affordable living, a strong job market, and things to do. You may not want to move to Oklahoma City if you prefer cooler temps, a bustling city, or easy access to public transportation. Before deciding, consider your career and lifestyle. Read below to see whether life in OKC is right for you.
Oklahoma City may be the right fit for you if…
- You want affordable living with big-city amenities.
- You’re looking for a city with family-friendly attractions.
- You want a career in bioscience, healthcare, aerospace, and energy.
- You’re looking for top higher educational opportunities.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You want to rely on public transit rather than a car.
- You’re sensitive to severe spring weather and hot, humid summers.
- You’re looking for a higher minimum wage.
- You want better public education opportunities.
Oklahoma City Compared to Other Nearby Cities
Deciding if living in Oklahoma City or a similar city is a better option for you? Check out our comparison chart below to see OKC vs. Dallas, Memphis, and Tulsa.
| Factor | Oklahoma City | Dallas, TX | Memphis, TN | Tulsa, OK |
| Average Monthly Rent | $819 | $1,554 | $1,576.00 | $822 |
| Average Home Price | $328,541 | $476,573 | $412,965 | $371,698 |
| Average Commute Time | 21 minutes | 27 minutes | 22 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Walk Score | 34/100 | 46/100 | 35/100 | 39/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 3.4% | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Major Industries | Aerospace & defense, bioscience, energy | Technology, finance, healthcare | Logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, | Energy, healthcare, aerospace |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), BestPlaces, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Oklahoma City
Is Oklahoma City an expensive place to live?
OKC is one of the more affordable places to live, with a cost of living under the national average. Utilities, housing costs, and groceries are all under the national average. Rent is also nearly 49% lower than the national average.
Does Oklahoma City have a high crime rate?
While its crime rate is higher than the national average, OKC’s crime rate is still lower than that of nearby cities, like Tulsa. Plus, Oklahoma offers neighborhood and suburbs that offer a safe, family-friendly community, like Nichols Hills and Crown Heights-Edgemere Heights.
Does Oklahoma City get tornadoes?
Oklahoma City gets tornadoes and is a part of Tornado Alley. Tornado season falls from April to June. Severe thunderstorms during this time can bring strong winds, hail, and heavy rain along with tornadoes. Because of this risk, many homes and public buildings in the area are equipped with storm shelters or safe rooms.
What state is Oklahoma City in?
Located in central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is the state’s capital. OKC is also the largest city in Oklahoma by population. It serves as a major hub for government, business, and culture within the state.
Is Oklahoma City a good place for young professionals?
Young professionals can enjoy living in Oklahoma City, and benefit from its growing job markets in energy, healthcare, and aerospace, along with its low cost of living and activities like professional basketball and a thriving downtown.
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