Quick answer
Oklahoma City costs $410/month less overall ($1,395 vs $1,805/mo). Both cities have 4.75% state income tax, so the rent gap is the real difference.
City Comparison · 2026
Durham 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
Durham vs Oklahoma City at a Glance
| Metric | Durham | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,150 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $425K | $210K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 ✓ | $155 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $320 ✓ | $320 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,805 | $1,395 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 64/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Transit Score | 38/100 ✓ | 22/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% ✓ | 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 $1,350 in Durham — a $430/month difference, or $5,160/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Both cities carry the same state income tax rate (4.75%), so this isn't a differentiator.
Home buying: Median homes in Oklahoma City are $210K vs $425K in Durham. At a 20% down payment, that's a $43,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Oklahoma City utilities run $20 more per month than Durham.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Durham, NC
Durham's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
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
Durham
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers (85-90°F) and mild winters (45-55°F). Approximately 100 humid days annually; moderate precipitation year-round.
Oklahoma City
Tornado Alley: hot summers, variable winters, extreme severe storm season in spring (April–May)
Job Market
Durham top industries
Oklahoma City top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Durham if…
- →You're a Biotech & pharma professionals
- →You're a Life sciences researchers
- →You're a Academics
- →You're a Young professionals seeking affordable big-city vibe
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 Durham 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 $1,805 in Durham — a $410/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Durham or Oklahoma City?
Durham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 31/100. Oklahoma City is more car-dependent.
Durham vs Oklahoma City: which has lower state income tax?
Both Durham and Oklahoma City have the same state income tax rate (4.75%).
Is Durham or Oklahoma City better for buying a home?
Oklahoma City has lower median home prices at $210K vs $425K in Durham — a $215,000 difference on the median home.