City comparison
No. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 188 in Dallas, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 179, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,472 in Dallas.
The cost gap between Dallas and Oklahoma City is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 23% cheaper on typical rent ($1,472 vs $1,130), which over a year adds up to $4,104. Median household income runs $70,518 in Dallas and $68,656 in Oklahoma City.
This is a genuine split. Dallas wins on the job market and Oklahoma City wins on cost of living and safety. 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
Dallas and Oklahoma City are 190 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,472 a month in Dallas to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $342 a month (23%).
Median household income goes from $70,518 in Dallas to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $1,862 (3%).
The crime index goes from 188 in Dallas to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 5 points (3%).
The move
Oklahoma City and Dallas are 190 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,472 a month in Dallas, up $342 a month (30%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $70,518 in Dallas, up $1,862 (3%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 188 in Dallas, up 5 points (3%).
Dallas, 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 Dallas and Oklahoma City? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
23% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 23% cheaper than Dallas
Dallas
$1,472/mo
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,472 in Dallas, so Oklahoma City is 23% cheaper. That's roughly $342/month back in your pocket ($4,104/year). Over five years that's $20,520 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 Dallas, 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 Oklahoma City? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
3% higher
Dallas's median income is 3% higher than Oklahoma City
Dallas
Winner$70,518
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Median household income is $70,518 in Dallas versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 3% higher in Dallas (about $1,862 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
3% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 3% lower than Dallas
Dallas
188 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 188 in Dallas (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 3% lower in Oklahoma City. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Oklahoma City, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Dallas. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Dallas and Oklahoma City are about even on typical weather.
Dallas
73°F avg · 82°F highs · comfort 100/100
Oklahoma City
68°F avg · 79°F highs · comfort 100/100
Dallas averages about 73°F (82°F highs); Oklahoma City averages about 68°F (79°F highs). Dallas sits near 73°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
Dallas is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 3% higher here ($70,518). Start with Dallas if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Oklahoma City is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 23% 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.
Oklahoma City is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 3% lower than Dallas (183 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.
Bottom line
Housing separates these metros first: $1,130/month in Oklahoma City versus $1,472 in Dallas. Median income reads $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $70,518 in Dallas, which matters when you stack rent against take-home pay.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Dallas's $1,472, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $70,518 in Dallas versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City clears the bar on housing cost in this dataset. Dallas deserves a serious look only when your $70,518 income offer in Dallas outweighs saving $342/month in Oklahoma City.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Dallas and Oklahoma City, plus other cities in TX and OK.
