Quick answer
Oklahoma City costs $295/month less overall ($1,395 vs $1,690/mo). Oklahoma City also has lower state income tax (4.75% vs 4.82%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines 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
Des Moines vs Oklahoma City at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 | $1,150 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $245K | $210K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $320 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 | $1,395 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Transit Score | 29/100 ✓ | 22/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | 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 Des Moines — 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 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $40/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Oklahoma City are $210K vs $245K in Des Moines. At a 20% down payment, that's a $7,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $15 more per month than Oklahoma City. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
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
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Oklahoma City
Tornado Alley: hot summers, variable winters, extreme severe storm season in spring (April–May)
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Oklahoma City top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
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 Des Moines 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 $1,690 in Des Moines — a $295/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Oklahoma City?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 31/100. Oklahoma City is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Oklahoma City: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma City has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $40/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Oklahoma City better for buying a home?
Oklahoma City has lower median home prices at $210K vs $245K in Des Moines — a $35,000 difference on the median home.