City comparison
Yes. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 242 in Orlando, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 241, using 2024-2025 FBI data for Oklahoma City and 2022 FBI data for Orlando.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,747 in Orlando.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Orlando is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 35% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,747), which over a year adds up to $7,404. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $72,336 in Orlando.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Oklahoma City costs less and Orlando pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
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 Orlando are 1,058 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,747 a month in Orlando, up $617 a month (55%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $72,336 in Orlando, up $3,680 (5%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 242 in Orlando, up 59 points (32%).
The move
Orlando and Oklahoma City are 1,058 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,747 a month in Orlando to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $617 a month (35%).
Median household income goes from $72,336 in Orlando to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $3,680 (5%).
The crime index goes from 242 in Orlando to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 59 points (24%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Orlando, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Orlando? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
35% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 35% cheaper than Orlando
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Orlando
$1,747/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,747 in Orlando, so Oklahoma City is 35% cheaper. That's roughly $617/month back in your pocket ($7,404/year). Over five years that's $37,020 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 Orlando, 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
5% higher
Orlando's median income is 5% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Orlando
Winner$72,336
Median household income is $72,336 in Orlando versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 5% higher in Orlando (about $3,680 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
24% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 24% lower than Orlando
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Orlando
242 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 242 in Orlando (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 24% lower in Oklahoma City. 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, Oklahoma City is the easier city. Orlando can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
12% more comfortable
Orlando weather is 12% more comfortable than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Orlando
Winner71°F avg · 78°F highs · comfort 100/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Orlando averages about 71°F (78°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Orlando sits near 71°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Orlando scores 12% 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 Oklahoma City if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
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 35% 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 24% lower than Orlando (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 plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 5% higher ($72,336), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 71°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Oklahoma City at $1,130/month versus $1,747 in Orlando ($617 apart). Orlando median income is $72,336 against $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Safety still diverges (42/100 in Oklahoma City vs 33/100 in Orlando), so climate preference should not be the only filter.
Weather averages land near 61°F in Oklahoma City and 71°F in Orlando.
Pick Oklahoma City when shaving $617 off rent at $1,130/month is the priority. Otherwise, Orlando's case rests on $1,747/month rent with $72,336 local income.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Oklahoma City and Orlando, plus other cities in OK and FL.
