Oklahoma City Just Ranked #1 for Lowest Cost of Living—Here’s Why You Should Move Here

If you’ve been thinking about relocating to a city where your dollar stretches further without sacrificing quality of life, Oklahoma City should be at the top of your list. According to the 2024 Cost of Living Index (COLI) by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), OKC is now officially the most affordable large city in the U.S.

Why Oklahoma City? Affordability Meets Opportunity

Oklahoma City isn’t just affordable—it’s a place where affordability meets opportunity, growth, and a high quality of life. With a COLI score of 85.1, OKC sits 14.9 points below the national average, making it an economic powerhouse for anyone looking to save money while still enjoying a vibrant city life.

Here’s how OKC stacks up against pricier metros:

✅ Housing costs are 68% lower than in Seattle.

✅ Groceries cost nearly 20% less.

✅ Transportation expenses are 23.5% cheaper.

✅ Utilities and healthcare? More savings there too.

To put it in perspective: If you make $44,000 in Seattle, you would only need $25,835 to maintain the same standard of living in Oklahoma City. That means more money in your pocket for travel, investments, homeownership, or simply enjoying life.

A Booming Economy with Job Growth

Affordability is great, but what about job opportunities? OKC’s job market is thriving. The 2025 Greater Oklahoma City Economic Outlook projects a 2.5% increase in metro job growth, adding 18,200 new jobs this year alone.

Oklahoma City’s economy is driven by diverse industries, including:

• Aerospace & Aviation (Tinker Air Force Base & Boeing)

• Energy & Renewable Resources

• Healthcare & Biotechnology

• Technology & Startups

• Manufacturing & Logistics

With a low unemployment rate of just 2.8%, Oklahoma City continues to be one of the best places in the U.S. for career growth.

A Great Place to Buy a Home

One of the biggest perks of OKC? Homeownership is actually within reach. While many cities are pricing out first-time buyers, Oklahoma City offers:

🏡 A strong housing market with affordable home prices.

📈 Steady appreciation, meaning your investment grows over time.

🌳 Spacious properties—say goodbye to cramped apartments!

🚗 Shorter commute times (and less traffic).

Whether you’re looking for a downtown loft, a historic bungalow, or a home in a family-friendly neighborhood, OKC provides incredible value compared to other major metros.

Culture, Entertainment & Community

Moving somewhere new isn’t just about money—it’s about lifestyle. Oklahoma City offers:

🎭 A thriving arts & music scene (Factory Obscura, OKC Philharmonic, local festivals)

🏀 Professional sports (Thunder basketball, Dodgers baseball, OKC Energy soccer)

🌳 Outdoor adventure (Riversport OKC, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Scissortail Park)

🍽️ Fantastic food & craft breweries (Yes, OKC has some of the best barbecue AND tacos!)

🎡 Family-friendly attractions (Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum, top-rated schools)

No matter your interests, OKC has something to offer without the high price tag.

Why Now Is the Time to Move

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, and with affordability still holding strong, now is the time to make your move. As home prices and interest rates fluctuate, locking in your home now could be one of the smartest financial moves you make.

Thinking About Moving to OKC? Let’s Talk!

Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a fresh start, or just want to live somewhere that makes sense financially, Oklahoma City is the place to be.

Ready to see what OKC has to offer? We can help you find the perfect home, neighborhood, and community. Send us a message or visit willflanaganrealty.com to start your home search today!

📩 DM us for a free relocation guide!

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