City comparison
Yes. Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 183 in Oklahoma City, and its violent crime index is 155 versus 197, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,465 in Jacksonville.
The cost gap between Jacksonville and Oklahoma City is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 23% cheaper on typical rent ($1,465 vs $1,130), which over a year adds up to $4,020. Median household income runs $69,872 in Jacksonville and $68,656 in Oklahoma City.
This is a genuine split. Jacksonville 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
Jacksonville and Oklahoma City are 985 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,465 a month in Jacksonville to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $335 a month (23%).
Median household income goes from $69,872 in Jacksonville to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $1,216 (2%).
The crime index goes from 150 in Jacksonville to 183 in Oklahoma City, up 33 points (22%).
The move
Oklahoma City and Jacksonville are 985 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,465 a month in Jacksonville, up $335 a month (30%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $69,872 in Jacksonville, up $1,216 (2%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 150 in Jacksonville, down 33 points (18%).
Jacksonville, FL
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 Jacksonville and Oklahoma City? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
23% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 23% cheaper than Jacksonville
Jacksonville
$1,465/mo
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,465 in Jacksonville, so Oklahoma City is 23% cheaper. That's roughly $335/month back in your pocket ($4,020/year). Over five years that's $20,100 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
2% higher
Jacksonville's median income is 2% higher than Oklahoma City
Jacksonville
Winner$69,872
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Median household income is $69,872 in Jacksonville versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 2% higher in Jacksonville (about $1,216 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
18% lower crime
Jacksonville's crime index is 18% lower than Oklahoma City
Jacksonville
Winner150 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City
183 (100 = avg)
Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 183 in Oklahoma City (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 18% lower in Jacksonville. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Jacksonville is the easier city. Oklahoma City can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Jacksonville and Oklahoma City are about even on typical weather.
Jacksonville
79°F avg · 86°F highs · comfort 100/100
Oklahoma City
68°F avg · 79°F highs · comfort 100/100
Jacksonville averages about 79°F (86°F highs); Oklahoma City averages about 68°F (79°F highs). Jacksonville sits near 79°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
Jacksonville is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 2% higher here ($69,872). Start with Jacksonville if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Jacksonville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 18% lower than Oklahoma City (150 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 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.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Oklahoma City at $1,130/month versus $1,465 in Jacksonville ($335 apart). Jacksonville median income is $69,872 against $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Jacksonville's $1,465, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $69,872 in Jacksonville versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City.
Pick Oklahoma City when shaving $335 off rent at $1,130/month is the priority. Otherwise, Jacksonville's case rests on $1,465/month rent with $69,872 local income.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Jacksonville when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Jacksonville and Oklahoma City, plus other cities in FL and OK.
