City Comparison
Muskogee vs Shawnee
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Muskogee
Shawnee
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Muskogee is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
30% lower than in Shawnee.
Housing costs are a major driver: Muskogee's average rent is
41% lower than Shawnee's.
| Metric | Muskogee | Shawnee | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,450 | -41% |
| Groceries | $360 | $420 | -14% |
| Utilities | $165 | $175 | -6% |
| Transport | $105 | $115 | -9% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $240 | -13% |
| Monthly Total | $1,690 | $2,400 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 38% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Muskogee is estimated at
$42,000 vs $58,000 in Shawnee.
| Metric | Muskogee | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,537 idx | 79,592 idx |
| Household Income | $45,500 | $95,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Muskogee runs warmer on average — a 5.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Muskogee comes out ahead with 11 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 7.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Muskogee | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.40°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 87.20°F | 86.30°F |
| Winter Low | 31.50°F | 22.10°F |
| Rainfall | 48.40 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 10.00 in | 17.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 277 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Muskogee has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Shawnee.
Shawnee scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Muskogee | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shawnee is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Muskogee.
From a growth perspective, Shawnee is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Muskogee | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 36,878 | 67,311 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Muskogee
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per Census and Zillow data.
Honor Heights Park hosts the nationally famous annual Azalea Festival, offering exceptional outdoor beauty.
Short average commute times provide residents with more daily free time compared to major metro areas.
Rich cultural and historical heritage rooted in Native American history and regional museums.
Port of Muskogee provides strong industrial logistics capabilities and regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Property and violent crime rates are higher than the national average per FBI crime data.
Public transportation options are very limited, resulting in high car dependency.
Job growth rates lag behind high-growth metropolitan technology and finance hubs.
Fewer high-end dining and entertainment options compared to nearby Tulsa.
Humid subtropical summer conditions feature frequent high temperatures requiring sustained air conditioning use.
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Muskogee
#502Oklahoma, USA
52.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
277/yr
Avg Temp
62.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
60
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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