City comparison
Yes. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 200 in Colorado Springs, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 204, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,648 in Colorado Springs.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 31% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,648), which over a year adds up to $6,216. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $84,818 in Colorado Springs.
Oklahoma City is not a close call here. It leads on cost of living, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Colorado Springs makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Oklahoma City is the stronger move.
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 Colorado Springs are 464 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,648 a month in Colorado Springs, up $518 a month (46%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $84,818 in Colorado Springs, up $16,162 (24%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 200 in Colorado Springs, up 17 points (9%).
The move
Colorado Springs and Oklahoma City are 464 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,648 a month in Colorado Springs to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $518 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $84,818 in Colorado Springs to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $16,162 (19%).
The crime index goes from 200 in Colorado Springs to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 17 points (9%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Colorado Springs, CO
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
31% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 31% cheaper than Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Colorado Springs
$1,648/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,648 in Colorado Springs, so Oklahoma City is 31% cheaper. That's roughly $518/month back in your pocket ($6,216/year). Over five years that's $31,080 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 Colorado Springs, 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
24% higher
Colorado Springs's median income is 24% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Colorado Springs
Winner$84,818
Median household income is $84,818 in Colorado Springs versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 24% higher in Colorado Springs (about $16,162 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, Colorado Springs 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
9% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 9% lower than Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Colorado Springs
200 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 200 in Colorado Springs (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 9% 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 Colorado Springs. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
24% more comfortable
Oklahoma City weather is 24% more comfortable than Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Winner61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Colorado Springs
55°F avg · 63°F highs · comfort 72/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Colorado Springs averages about 55°F (63°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Colorado Springs averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Oklahoma City scores 24% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Colorado Springs if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Oklahoma City is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 31% 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.
Pick Oklahoma City if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (61°F) beat Colorado Springs on this page's weather index by 24%. Colorado Springs may pay more or cost less, but Oklahoma City is the city where the forecast fights you less.
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 9% lower than Colorado Springs (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
Colorado Springs is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 24% higher here ($84,818). Start with Colorado Springs if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Oklahoma City undercuts Colorado Springs by $518/month ($1,130 vs $1,648). I would not pick Colorado Springs on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Colorado Springs's $1,648, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 61°F in Oklahoma City and 55°F in Colorado Springs.
Most movers who prioritize housing cost land in Oklahoma City; Colorado Springs only makes sense when your offer letter is already written for Colorado Springs at $84,818 income.
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 Colorado Springs, plus other cities in OK and CO.
