City comparison
No. Raleigh's crime index is 142 versus 183 in Oklahoma City, and its violent crime index is 128 versus 197, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,572 in Raleigh.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Raleigh is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 28% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,572), which over a year adds up to $5,304. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $85,395 in Raleigh.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Oklahoma City costs less and Raleigh 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 Raleigh are 1,059 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,572 a month in Raleigh, up $442 a month (39%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $85,395 in Raleigh, up $16,739 (24%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 142 in Raleigh, down 41 points (22%).
The move
Raleigh and Oklahoma City are 1,059 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,572 a month in Raleigh to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $442 a month (28%).
Median household income goes from $85,395 in Raleigh to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $16,739 (20%).
The crime index goes from 142 in Raleigh to 183 in Oklahoma City, up 41 points (29%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Raleigh, NC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Raleigh? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
28% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 28% cheaper than Raleigh
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Raleigh
$1,572/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,572 in Raleigh, so Oklahoma City is 28% cheaper. That's roughly $442/month back in your pocket ($5,304/year). Over five years that's $26,520 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 Raleigh, 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
Raleigh's median income is 24% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Raleigh
Winner$85,395
Median household income is $85,395 in Raleigh versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 24% higher in Raleigh (about $16,739 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, Raleigh 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
22% lower crime
Raleigh's crime index is 22% lower than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
183 (100 = avg)
Raleigh
Winner142 (100 = avg)
Raleigh's crime index is 142 versus 183 in Oklahoma City (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 22% lower in Raleigh. 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, Raleigh 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
3% more comfortable
Oklahoma City weather is 3% more comfortable than Raleigh
Oklahoma City
Winner61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Raleigh
60°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 86/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Raleigh averages about 60°F (69°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Raleigh averages around 60°F. Oklahoma City scores 3% 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 Raleigh 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 28% 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 Raleigh on this page's weather index by 3%. Raleigh may pay more or cost less, but Oklahoma City is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Raleigh is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 24% higher here ($85,395). Start with Raleigh if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Raleigh is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 22% lower than Oklahoma City (142 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.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Oklahoma City at $1,130/month versus $1,572 in Raleigh ($442 apart). Raleigh median income is $85,395 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 Raleigh's $1,572, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $85,395 in Raleigh versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City clears the bar on housing cost in this dataset. Raleigh deserves a serious look only when your $85,395 income offer in Raleigh outweighs saving $442/month in Oklahoma City.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Oklahoma City and Raleigh, plus other cities in OK and NC.
