Quick answer
Oklahoma City costs $305/month less overall ($1,395 vs $1,700/mo). Oklahoma City also has lower state income tax (4.75% vs 5%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Birmingham vs Oklahoma City
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Birmingham vs Oklahoma City at a Glance
| Metric | Birmingham | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 | $1,150 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,400 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $230K | $210K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 | $320 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,700 | $1,395 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 39/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Transit Score | 21/100 | 22/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 4.75% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Oklahoma City's 1BR averages $920/month vs $1,150 in Birmingham — a $230/month difference, or $2,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Oklahoma City charges 4.75% state income tax vs 5% in Birmingham. On an $80K salary that's a $200/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,000 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Oklahoma City are $210K vs $230K in Birmingham. At a 20% down payment, that's a $4,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Birmingham utilities run $15 more per month than Oklahoma City. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Birmingham, AL
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Birmingham. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Oklahoma City, OK
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Oklahoma City. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Birmingham
Hot and humid summers; mild winters with occasional freezing.
Oklahoma City
Tornado Alley: hot summers, variable winters, extreme severe storm season in spring (April–May)
Job Market
Birmingham top industries
Oklahoma City top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Birmingham if…
- →You're a Healthcare workers and medical professionals
- →You're a Civil rights history enthusiasts
- →You're a Anyone seeking Southern hospitality with urban amenities
- →You're a Professionals in finance and banking
Move to Oklahoma City if…
- →You're a energy sector workers
- →You're a aerospace / defense workers
- →You're a remote workers seeking maximum affordability
- →You're a families
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,395 in Oklahoma City vs $1,700 in Birmingham — a $305/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Birmingham or Oklahoma City?
Birmingham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 39/100 vs 31/100. Oklahoma City is more car-dependent.
Birmingham vs Oklahoma City: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma City has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $200/year vs Birmingham (5%).
Is Birmingham or Oklahoma City better for buying a home?
Oklahoma City has lower median home prices at $210K vs $230K in Birmingham — a $20,000 difference on the median home.