Question 1

Is Arlington or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $640/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $1,244/mo in Oklahoma City.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Oklahoma City?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $66,000/year in Oklahoma City, OK — a difference of about $9,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Oklahoma City cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $8,589/month in Oklahoma City, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Oklahoma City?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Oklahoma City costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	Oklahoma City75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$3,637
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$8,589
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$66,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$1,244
Median home value	$276,400	$215,100
Median household income	$73,519	$66,702
Unemployment	4.7%	4.3%
Housing score	57	86
Jobs score	51	44
Safety score	65	70
Climate score	94	96
Amenities score	73	55
Population	394.8K	688.7K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	94° / 29°

Arlington, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK