City Comparison
Oklahoma City vs Shawnee
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Oklahoma City
Shawnee
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Shawnee.
Housing costs are a major driver: Oklahoma City's average rent is
21% lower than Shawnee's.
| Metric | Oklahoma City | Shawnee | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,450 | -21% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $115 | $115 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $240 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,040 | $2,400 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 21% 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 Oklahoma City is estimated at
$48,000 vs $58,000 in Shawnee.
| Metric | Oklahoma City | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,455 idx | 79,592 idx |
| Household Income | $65,300 | $95,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Oklahoma City runs warmer on average — a 6.1°F difference year-round.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 11.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Oklahoma City | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.00°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 89.10°F | 86.30°F |
| Winter Low | 31.40°F | 22.10°F |
| Rainfall | 34.70 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 5.90 in | 17.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 273 | 266 |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Oklahoma City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Oklahoma City | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Oklahoma City is the larger city
— approximately 10.3x the population of Shawnee.
From a growth perspective, Oklahoma City 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 | Oklahoma City | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 694,800 | 67,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Oklahoma City
Advantages
Median home prices remain significantly below the national average per Zillow data, offering exceptional housing affordability.
A thriving arts scene anchored by the Paseo Arts District and world-class museums like the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
An expanding and diversified economy supported by aerospace, energy, healthcare, and logistics sectors.
Abundant recreational opportunities including Lake Hefner, Riversport OKC, and extensive urban park developments.
Consistently shorter commute times compared to the national average, reducing daily transit stress.
Drawbacks
High reliance on automobiles with limited public transit coverage outside core urban districts.
Vulnerability to severe weather events, including tornadoes and extreme seasonal temperature swings.
Property tax rates and localized utility costs can fluctuate based on regional infrastructure demands.
Air quality can occasionally be impacted by regional agricultural and industrial dust during specific seasons.
Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure remains underdeveloped in several suburban corridors.
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.
Oklahoma City
#118Oklahoma, USA
66.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
273/yr
Avg Temp
63.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
77
Business
74
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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