Question 1

Is Chicago or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $656/month less than in Chicago, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $1,244/mo in Oklahoma City.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Oklahoma City?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $66,000/year in Oklahoma City, OK — a difference of about $15,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago 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 $9,545/month in Chicago and $8,589/month in Oklahoma City, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago 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	Chicago61	Oklahoma City75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$3,637
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$8,589
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$66,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$1,244
Median home value	$315,200	$215,100
Median household income	$75,134	$66,702
Unemployment	5.9%	4.3%
Housing score	52	86
Jobs score	7	44
Safety score	66	70
Climate score	89	96
Amenities score	73	55
Population	2.7M	688.7K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	94° / 29°

Chicago, IL vs Oklahoma City, OK