Unveiling the Cost of Living in Oklahoma City: What You Need to Know

Here at Homes by Taber ®, we pride ourselves on building top-quality, Proudly Overbuilt ® new homes for you, families, and individuals. There’s nowhere better to do it than in the vibrant and growing Oklahoma City (OKC) area. As Oklahoma’s Favorite Builder ®, we have deep roots in this community and a keen understanding of what makes OKC a fantastic place to live. From the friendly residents to the abundant things to do, this exceptional city has no shortage of appeal. Still, there’s no doubt that one of the most compelling reasons people are drawn to OKC is its cost of living—which is significantly lower than many other major cities across the United States. Let’s explore why OKC offers a phenomenal living experience combined with an affordable cost of living, making it one of the best places to call home in the entire country.

Why OKC is a top choice

At Homes by Taber, we believe in providing gorgeous new homes that offer unparalleled value and a high quality of life, and there’s no better place to enjoy these benefits than OKC. Oklahoma City stands out as a top choice for many reasons, which is why it consistently ranks high on national lists. According to the U.S. News and World Report, OKC is ranked #16 on their 2024-2025 Best Places to Live list, reflecting the city’s great value, desirability, strong job market, and high quality of life. 

Additionally, Oklahoma City has “clinched the #1 spot for the lowest cost of living among large cities with populations exceeding 500,000,” according to Greateroklahomacity.com. “The 2023 annual Cost of Living Index (COLI) for Oklahoma City stands at an impressive 85.1, a significant 14.9 points below the national average. This remarkable achievement marks an improvement from the previous year when OKC secured the second position with a COLI of 86.5 in 2021.”

There’s no denying that Oklahoma City is skyrocketing for attractive places to live, particularly regarding affordability and quality housing, and Homes by Taber is beyond proud to contribute to this thriving community with carefully crafted new homes in remarkable neighborhoods throughout the metro.

Affordable housing

When it comes to the concept of affordable housing, the median home sale price in OKC is significantly lower than the national median, making it an appealing option for homebuyers across the country. This affordability allows residents to purchase spacious, high-quality homes without the financial strain found in other major U.S. cities. Greateroklahomacity.com reports that “Housing, often a significant expense, is a whopping 68% more affordable in OKC compared to bigger cities.” 

At Homes by Taber, we specialize in constructing Proudly Overbuilt homes that provide exceptional value for your investment. Our homes are designed to offer more—more space, more features, and more quality—at a price that’s accessible, and this is made possible by building our new homes in Oklahoma City. Here, you can truly maximize your buying power with us and find the perfect balance of cost and quality, making homeownership not just a dream, but an achievable reality.

Lower living expenses

In addition to affordable housing, living expenses in Oklahoma City are generally lower across the board. According to the U.S. News and World Report, essential costs such as groceries and utilities, as well as non-essential expenditures like dining out and entertainment, are cheaper in OKC compared to many other U.S. cities. Greateroklahomacity.com puts this into perspective perfectly: If you earn $44,000 after taxes in a city like Seattle, you would only need to earn $25,835 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of living. Here are some of the cost differentials:

• Groceries: 19.86% cheaper in OKC compared to Seattle.
• Housing: 68% more affordable in OKC.
• Utilities: 5.42% cheaper in OKC.
• Transportation: 23.52% cheaper in OKC.
• Healthcare: 23.97% cheaper in OKC.

These significant savings mean that your money goes much further in Oklahoma City, allowing for a higher quality of life without the high costs associated with other major cities. This means that families, singles, and retirees alike can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Plus, with a new home from Homes by Taber in OKC, you’re not just getting a house; you’re getting a cost-effective lifestyle. Our homes are built with incredible energy-efficient features that help reduce utility bills, further enhancing the affordability of living in OKC.

Fantastic career opportunities

The diverse job market in Oklahoma City, combined with a low cost of living and a high quality of life, makes it a prime location for career growth and personal fulfillment. Oklahoma City is home to several major employers that provide thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy. According to U.S. News and World Report, key sectors driving OKC's economy include energy, aviation, healthcare, and skilled industrial trades. These industries offer an array of job opportunities, making OKC an ideal place to build a career and a future. Whether you’re a recent graduate starting your career or an experienced professional looking for new opportunities, here are some of the key employers and sectors driving economic growth in the region:

• Tinker Air Force Base: As one of the largest military installations in the United States, Tinker Air Force Base employs thousands of active-duty, reserve and civilian personnel. The base is a crucial hub for aircraft maintenance and logistics, supporting both national defense and local employment.
• State Government: The Oklahoma state government is a major employer in the region, providing numerous job opportunities in public administration, education and public service. This stable employment sector offers career paths for individuals with various skills and backgrounds.
• University of Oklahoma: Located near our new homes in Norman, the University of Oklahoma is a significant contributor to the local economy. The university provides a wide range of employment opportunities in education, research, administration, and support services. It also attracts students and faculty from around the world, enhancing the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of the area.
• Integris Health: As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, Integris Health operates multiple hospitals and clinics throughout the OKC area. It offers an abundance of medical and healthcare-related jobs, from physicians and nurses to administrative and support staff. 
• Amazon and Boeing: Both Amazon and Boeing have substantial operations in Oklahoma City. Amazon’s fulfillment centers and Boeing’s aerospace operations provide a wealth of jobs in logistics, technology, and manufacturing.

At Homes by Taber, we recognize the importance of a strong local economy and job market in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our new homes in OKC are designed to meet the needs of individuals and families who are building their careers and futures here. With our high-quality homes situated in some of the most desirable neighborhoods, you can enjoy the benefits of living in a city with abundant job opportunities and a thriving economy.

Low cost of living meets high quality of life in OKC

Our team at Homes by Taber understands the importance of making an informed decision when choosing a place to call home. Oklahoma City stands out as one of the best places to live in the United States, thanks to its affordable cost of living and strong job market. As a trusted home builder in OKC, we are here to help you find your dream home in this outstanding city.

If you’re considering a move, explore the one-of-a-kind living experience that Oklahoma City offers with the best builder in the state. With Proudly Overbuilt homes designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations, Homes by Taber is ready to welcome you to your new home in Oklahoma City. With us, your dollar stretches further, allowing you to purchase a stunning new home that is built to make lasting memories for years to come. Give us a call at (405) 984-1185 or fill out our online form to discover the benefits of living in OKC with Homes by Taber and learn why so many are choosing to make this city their new home.