Ponca City, OKC Rank in U.S.’s Most Affordable Cities

If you’re considering moving to Oklahoma or evaluating living costs, the latest Cost of Living Index just might move the needle.

The annual report, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), examines the cost of consumer goods and services, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and more. In 2024, Oklahoma stood out for its affordability compared to many other urban areas in the U.S.

While cities like New York City and Juneau, Alaska see costs soaring well above the national average, Oklahoma’s urban areas, such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa, consistently rank well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking a professional or managerial standard of living without the sky-high prices of major coastal cities.

  • Low Cost of Living: Ponca City, located in Northwest Oklahoma, ranked as the second least expensive urban area in the United States, and Oklahoma City ranked sixth.
  • Eating Good: The C2ER grocery index is particularly noteworthy, with Oklahoma offering more affordable options for everyday items like cereal, milk, and coffee.
Featured

Why Oklahoma is One of the Last Places Young People Can Own a Home

The Businessman Leading Lifesaving Space Tech

The 10 Best Cities to Live in Oklahoma Right Now

A young family of three celebrates closing on a home in Oklahoma. U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live lists 5 Oklahoma cities for the 2025-26 list.

Five Oklahoma Towns Rank in Best Places to Live in U.S.

A young woman gazing across the great outdoors in Oklahoma. Oklahoma's diverse terrain makes its landscapes unique in the United States, and has ranked it as one of the top most outdoorsy states in the country.

Oklahoma Among Most Outdoorsy States in the U.S.