Oklahoma City continues to stand out as one of the most affordable places to live in the country. The Council for Community and Economic Research’s (C2ER) Q2 2025 Cost of Living Index, published Aug. 22, 2025, ranks Oklahoma City sixth lowest among 245 participating urban areas nationwide.
When factoring in population size, Oklahoma City is the most affordable large city in the United States, offering residents the lowest cost of living of any metro area with more than 500,000 people. By comparison, San Francisco’s cost of living index of 160.1 is nearly double Oklahoma City’s score of 81.5, highlighting the significant advantage OKC offers residents and employers.
With an overall index of 81.5 — about 18 percent below the national average — Oklahoma City residents pay significantly less for housing, utilities and everyday expenses. This lower cost of living gives families more flexibility in how they allocate their budgets, whether saving for a home, investing in education or supporting local businesses.
“This recognition highlights one of Oklahoma City’s greatest strengths. Our residents can enjoy a high quality of life while paying far less than their peers in other major metros. Affordability is also a powerful advantage as we continue to attract new businesses, grow our workforce, and strengthen our community,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
Chamber research economist Eric Long added that the numbers reflect what many families and employers already experience day to day. “Oklahoma City’s low cost of living means families can stretch their dollars further and employers can better attract and retain talent,” Long said.
The Cost of Living Index, published quarterly by C2ER, measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services for professional and managerial households. Covering 61 different items, prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and universities across more than 245 urban areas. The index provides a useful measure of how far a paycheck stretches in different parts of the country and is widely used by businesses, researchers and policymakers.
As part of this national effort, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber participates in quarterly data collection by providing local prices for a set list of goods and services, ensuring Oklahoma City’s costs are accurately represented in the national comparison.
The full report is available at www.coli.org.
