Quick answer
Oklahoma City costs $485/month less overall ($1,395 vs $1,880/mo). Oklahoma City also has lower state income tax (4.75% vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Oklahoma City
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Madison vs Oklahoma City at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 | $1,150 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $370K | $210K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $155 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $320 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 | $1,395 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 22/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | 4.75% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Oklahoma City's 1BR averages $920/month vs $1,380 in Madison — a $460/month difference, or $5,520/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Oklahoma City charges 4.75% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $2,320/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Oklahoma City are $210K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $32,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Oklahoma City utilities run $10 more per month than Madison.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Oklahoma City, OK
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Oklahoma City. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Oklahoma City
Tornado Alley: hot summers, variable winters, extreme severe storm season in spring (April–May)
Job Market
Madison top industries
Oklahoma City top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
Move to Oklahoma City if…
- →You're a energy sector workers
- →You're a aerospace / defense workers
- →You're a remote workers seeking maximum affordability
- →You're a families
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma City is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,395 in Oklahoma City vs $1,880 in Madison — a $485/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Oklahoma City?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 31/100. Oklahoma City is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Oklahoma City: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma City has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,320/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Oklahoma City better for buying a home?
Oklahoma City has lower median home prices at $210K vs $370K in Madison — a $160,000 difference on the median home.