Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Oklahoma City earns roughly $103,328/yr (~$5,649/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $920/mo — that's 16% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
OK · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Oklahoma City?
Using local salary estimates and Oklahoma City's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Oklahoma City, OK in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$103,328/yr local estimate
$8,611
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.75% state income tax
-$2,962
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$5,649
1BR rent
16% of take-home
-$920
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$155
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$320
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,904
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Oklahoma City could save roughly $18,744/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 16% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 16% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Oklahoma City is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $103,328/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Oklahoma City's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Midtown
Most walkable OKC, renovated bungalows, restaurants and bars, young professionals; 1BR $950–1,300
Paseo Arts District
Galleries, murals, independent coffee, First Friday art walk; 1BR $900–1,200
Mesta Park / Heritage Hills
Historic mansions, tree-lined streets, quiet, beautiful architecture; 1BR $900–1,200
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Oklahoma City?
A Physician Assistant in Oklahoma City earns approximately $103,328 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Oklahoma City's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Oklahoma City affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 16% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Oklahoma City with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Oklahoma City?
After federal taxes, 4.75% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $103,328/yr takes home roughly $5,649/month in Oklahoma City.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Oklahoma City?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma City costs a median of $920/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 16% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.