City comparison
Yes. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 193 in Durham, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 163, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,508 in Durham.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Durham is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 25% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,508), which over a year adds up to $4,536. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $81,619 in Durham.
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. Durham 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 Durham are 1,043 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,508 a month in Durham, up $378 a month (33%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $81,619 in Durham, up $12,963 (19%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 193 in Durham, up 10 points (5%).
The move
Durham and Oklahoma City are 1,043 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,508 a month in Durham to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $378 a month (25%).
Median household income goes from $81,619 in Durham to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $12,963 (16%).
The crime index goes from 193 in Durham to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 10 points (5%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Durham, NC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Durham? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
25% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 25% cheaper than Durham
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Durham
$1,508/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,508 in Durham, so Oklahoma City is 25% cheaper. That's roughly $378/month back in your pocket ($4,536/year). Over five years that's $22,680 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 Durham, 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
19% higher
Durham's median income is 19% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Durham
Winner$81,619
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 19% higher in Durham (about $12,963 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, Durham 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
5% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 5% lower than Durham
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Durham
193 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 193 in Durham (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 5% 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 Durham. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
7% more comfortable
Oklahoma City weather is 7% more comfortable than Durham
Oklahoma City
Winner61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Durham
59°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 83/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Durham averages about 59°F (68°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Durham averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Oklahoma City scores 7% 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 Durham 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 25% 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 Durham on this page's weather index by 7%. Durham 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 5% lower than Durham (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
Durham is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 19% higher here ($81,619). Start with Durham if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Oklahoma City undercuts Durham by $378/month ($1,130 vs $1,508). I would not pick Durham on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Durham's $1,508, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 61°F in Oklahoma City and 59°F in Durham.
Between Oklahoma City and Durham, Oklahoma City is ahead on housing cost — $1,130/month rent against $1,508. Lean Durham instead when your $81,619 income offer in Durham outweighs saving $378/month in Oklahoma City.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Oklahoma City and Durham, plus other cities in OK and NC.
