City comparison
Yes. Austin's crime index is 162 versus 183 in Oklahoma City, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 197, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,729 in Austin.
The income gap between Austin and Oklahoma City is significant: $93,658 median household versus $68,656. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,729 in Austin and $1,130 in Oklahoma City.
This is a genuine split. Austin wins on the job market and safety and Oklahoma City wins on cost of living. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Oklahoma City at $1,130 average has pockets that run $930 and others at $1,530: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Austin and Oklahoma City are 360 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,729 a month in Austin to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $599 a month (35%).
Median household income goes from $93,658 in Austin to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $25,002 (27%).
The crime index goes from 162 in Austin to 183 in Oklahoma City, up 21 points (13%).
The move
Oklahoma City and Austin are 360 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,729 a month in Austin, up $599 a month (53%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $93,658 in Austin, up $25,002 (36%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 162 in Austin, down 21 points (11%).
Austin, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Austin and Oklahoma City? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
35% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 35% cheaper than Austin
Austin
$1,729/mo
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,729 in Austin, so Oklahoma City is 35% cheaper. That's roughly $599/month back in your pocket ($7,188/year). Over five years that's $35,940 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Austin, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Oklahoma City is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Austin? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
36% higher
Austin's median income is 36% higher than Oklahoma City
Austin
Winner$93,658
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Median household income is $93,658 in Austin versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 36% higher in Austin (about $25,002 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Austin is the stronger labor market on paper. Oklahoma City can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
11% lower crime
Austin's crime index is 11% lower than Oklahoma City
Austin
Winner162 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City
183 (100 = avg)
Austin's crime index is 162 versus 183 in Oklahoma City (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 11% lower in Austin. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Austin, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Oklahoma City. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Austin and Oklahoma City are about even on typical weather.
Austin
76°F avg · 85°F highs · comfort 100/100
Oklahoma City
68°F avg · 79°F highs · comfort 100/100
Austin averages about 76°F (85°F highs); Oklahoma City averages about 68°F (79°F highs). Austin sits near 76°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Oklahoma City sits near 68°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Austin is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 36% higher here ($93,658). Start with Austin if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Austin is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 11% lower than Oklahoma City (162 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 35% cheaper here at about $1,130 a month. Choose Oklahoma City if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Oklahoma City undercuts Austin by $599/month ($1,130 vs $1,729). I would not pick Austin on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Austin's $1,729, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 45/100 in Austin and 42/100 in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City is the default on housing cost at $1,130/month versus $1,729 in Austin; Austin stays in play when $93,658 local pay or an existing job offer outweighs the $599 lease gap.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Austin when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Austin and Oklahoma City, plus other cities in TX and OK.
