City comparison
Yes. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 197 in Atlanta, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 193, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,711 in Atlanta.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Atlanta is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 34% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,711), which over a year adds up to $6,972. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $85,652 in Atlanta.
This is a genuine split. Oklahoma City wins on cost of living and safety and Atlanta wins on the job market. 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
Oklahoma City and Atlanta are 755 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,711 a month in Atlanta, up $581 a month (51%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $85,652 in Atlanta, up $16,996 (25%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 197 in Atlanta, up 14 points (8%).
The move
Atlanta and Oklahoma City are 755 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,711 a month in Atlanta to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $581 a month (34%).
Median household income goes from $85,652 in Atlanta to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $16,996 (20%).
The crime index goes from 197 in Atlanta to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 14 points (7%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Atlanta, GA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Atlanta? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
34% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 34% cheaper than Atlanta
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Atlanta
$1,711/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,711 in Atlanta, so Oklahoma City is 34% cheaper. That's roughly $581/month back in your pocket ($6,972/year). Over five years that's $34,860 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 Atlanta, 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
25% higher
Atlanta's median income is 25% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Atlanta
Winner$85,652
Median household income is $85,652 in Atlanta versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 25% higher in Atlanta (about $16,996 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, Atlanta 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
7% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 7% lower than Atlanta
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Atlanta
197 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 197 in Atlanta (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 7% 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 Atlanta. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Oklahoma City and Atlanta are about even on typical weather.
Oklahoma City
61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Atlanta
61°F avg · 70°F highs · comfort 89/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Atlanta averages about 61°F (70°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Atlanta averages around 61°F. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
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 34% 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 7% lower than Atlanta (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.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Atlanta is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 25% higher here ($85,652). Start with Atlanta if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Oklahoma City at $1,130/month versus $1,711 in Atlanta ($581 apart). Atlanta median income is $85,652 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 Atlanta's $1,711, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 42/100 in Oklahoma City and 39/100 in Atlanta.
If housing cost drives your move, Oklahoma City is the stronger match ($1,130/month rent against $1,711). If an employer or family tie already points to Atlanta, treat $1,711/month rent and $85,652 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Oklahoma City when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Oklahoma City and Atlanta, plus other cities in OK and GA.
