Oklahoma City, OK, and New Orleans, LA, offer distinctly different lifestyles, each appealing to different individuals. The former is a vibrant, bustling city known for its cowboy culture and capitol complex, while the latter is renowned for its musical, culinary, and multicultural heritage, its lively festival scene, and its Mardi Gras celebrations.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
New Orleans, LA : 577.3 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 82%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
Unfortunately, both Oklahoma City and New Orleans have higher crime rates than the national average. However, New Orleans' crime rate tends to be significantly higher, particularly in terms of violent crime. It is worth noting that safety can vary greatly by neighborhood in both cities. Researching specific neighborhoods and taking precautions can minimize risks. Despite these rates, tourists generally do not face significant safety problems in major tourist areas.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,386 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 701 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 558 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Oklahoma City is near to than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
Oklahoma City has a lower cost of living than the national average, making it more affordable in terms of housing, groceries, and transportation. New Orleans, however, has a cost of living closer to the national average, primarily due to higher housing costs.
Income Tax
Oklahoma has a state income tax, while Louisiana also has a state income tax with rates that vary depending on income levels.
Property Tax
Overall, Oklahoma generally has lower property taxes compared to Louisiana. However, property tax can vary significantly based on the specific location within each city.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City has a slightly higher combined state and city sales tax rate compared to New Orleans. However, Louisiana overall has one of the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates in the country.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
97.9
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $57,319 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City is characterized by flat plains, grasslands, and low hills, while New Orleans is known for its marshlands, proximity to the Mississippi River, and below-sea-level elevation, which influences its urban planning and infrastructure.
Both cities offer numerous public and private school options, as well as institutions for higher education. Oklahoma City is home to universities like Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. New Orleans houses Tulane University and the University of New Orleans. However, according to U.S. News & World Report, schools in Oklahoma City generally rank higher than those in New Orleans.
The Oklahoma City economy is heavily influenced by the oil, natural gas, and petroleum industries, along with sectors like biosciences and healthcare. New Orleans, on the other hand, is largely driven by the tourism, oil/petrochemicals, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. Post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts have also spurred economic development in New Orleans.
Biggest Employers
Oklahoma City's biggest employers include the State of Oklahoma, INTEGRIS Health, and the University of Oklahoma. In New Orleans, the largest employers are Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and the tourism industry.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
2020
48.1%
83.6%
49.2%
15.1%
2.7%
1.3%
2016
41.2%
81.1%
51.7%
14.7%
7.1%
4.2%
2012
41.7%
80.5%
58.3%
17.8%
0.0%
1.7%
2008
41.6%
79.6%
58.4%
19.1%
0.0%
1.3%
2004
35.8%
77.8%
64.2%
21.8%
0.0%
0.4%
2000
36.6%
76.2%
62.3%
21.8%
1.1%
2.0%
1996
36.5%
90.7%
54.7%
8.2%
8.8%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
4.3%
20.0%
13.0%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
30.9%
3.0%
16.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
1.5%
1.3%
4.2%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
2.9%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.0%
3.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
1.5%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.6%
0.1%
0.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.5%
0.6%
1.8%
Weather
Oklahoma City experiences extreme weather, with hot, humid summers, occasional severe thunderstorms, tornados, and cold winters. In contrast, New Orleans has a subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flooding can be an issue in New Orleans due to its sea-level elevation and frequent heavy rainfalls.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
48%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
2018
85
75
0.29
N/A
6.6
5.5
31.9
27.9
0.002
N/A
21.3
19.6
9.6
9.5
0.0
1.1
2017
82
73
0.32
N/A
6.7
6.0
33.0
27.6
0.002
N/A
20.7
18.8
8.9
9.5
0.0
1.6
2016
72
71
0.29
N/A
6.6
6.7
31.9
29.1
0.002
N/A
19.4
16.5
8.5
9.4
0.2
1.7
2015
76
76
0.24
N/A
7.0
6.3
31.5
26.5
0.002
N/A
19.1
17.5
7.8
8.8
0.5
1.3
2014
84
79
0.15
N/A
7.1
6.7
32.4
25.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
17.7
8.7
7.7
0.1
2.0
2013
84
73
0.14
N/A
8.6
6.5
32.8
25.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
17.8
9.3
7.4
0.2
2.6
2012
97
84
0.13
N/A
9.4
7.8
34.0
26.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
24.0
7.9
10.0
0.3
2.5
2011
107
93
0.24
N/A
9.9
7.8
36.3
27.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
24.9
9.9
8.8
0.8
2.1
2010
81
89
0.30
N/A
8.8
7.8
31.7
27.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
26.7
9.8
9.5
0.7
2.9
2009
82
81
0.52
N/A
8.1
7.6
31.9
26.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.1
0.7
2.8
2008
78
81
0.51
N/A
9.8
9.3
31.0
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
1.4
3.0
2007
81
97
0.44
N/A
10.2
9.1
29.4
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
2.0
3.6
2006
95
93
0.43
N/A
10.1
9.7
33.7
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
1.2
N/A
2005
88
93
0.38
0.58
11.6
9.0
31.0
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
1.3
N/A
2004
75
96
0.46
0.68
10.5
9.5
28.6
21.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
0.6
N/A
2003
87
91
0.42
0.84
10.9
9.9
30.8
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
2002
91
68
0.35
0.61
14.3
9.3
29.0
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2001
87
88
0.69
0.81
13.1
10.2
31.0
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2000
89
105
0.66
0.55
13.4
11.3
29.5
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
21%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transit systems. Oklahoma City is primarily car-centric, but it has been expanding its public transit system including buses and a modern streetcar service. New Orleans, on the other hand, boasts a historic streetcar system and is more walkable, particularly in tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.2%
1.4%
Bus
0.3%
3.3%
Carpooled
8.6%
9%
Car alone
87.6%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.5%
Walked
1.4%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Average
25.6 min
27.7 min
Other means
21 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more affordable in Oklahoma City with a median home value significantly lower than the national average. However, New Orleans has a higher median home price, and the real estate market can fluctuate greatly depending on the neighborhood and proximity to popular areas such as the French Quarter.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. In Oklahoma City, the downtown area is booming, while the historic Gatewood district offers a charming, vintage feel. In New Orleans, vibrant neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny are popular for their unique blend of history, culture, and nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Houses
302,241
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1978
1966
Median year house/condo built
1986
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$369,282
Median house age
40
61
Renting percentage
40.3%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
1,078.3
House value disparities
34.7%
38.2%
Household income disparities
44.3%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
One, detached
67.8%
48.0%
One, attached
3.4%
9.7%
Two
2.0%
15.1%
3 or 4
5.1%
6.9%
5 to 9
6.0%
4.1%
10 to 19
5.6%
3.8%
20 to 49
2.4%
3.9%
50 or more
4.6%
8.1%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
9,492
State government workers
17,132
9,130
Unpaid family workers
555
527
Industries and Occupations
In Oklahoma City, oil and gas, aviation, and biotechnology are the most prevalent industries, offering a variety of occupations from petroleum engineers to bioscience researchers. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, tourism, shipping, and oil refining dominate, with jobs such as tour guides, logistics coordinators, and oil industry workers being common.
Both cities offer a range of healthcare options. Oklahoma City has the advantage of having numerous health centers, including the renowned OU Medicine complex. On the other hand, New Orleans houses some prestigious medical facilities, including the Ochsner Health System and Tulane Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City has seen extensive investment in its infrastructure, including community spaces and public transportation, in recent years. In contrast, New Orleans has struggled with infrastructure issues due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina and frequent flooding.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
1999
2,925
1,021
2000
2,396
942
2001
1,824
820
2002
1,507
820
2003
2,014
991
2004
2,323
1,379
2005
3,134
1,899
2006
3,132
1,426
2007
2,036
1,245
2008
1,143
683
2009
593
378
Culture and Food
Oklahoma City offers a mix of cowboy culture, Native American heritage, and modern urban living, resulting in a unique blend of Southern charm and metropolitan allure. Its food scene is diverse, with steakhouses, barbecue, and chicken fried steak being local favorites. New Orleans, however, is world-renowned for its cultural offerings, including jazz music, Mardi Gras, and a food scene heavily influenced by Creole, Cajun, and French traditions.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder and has a passionate sports culture that also includes college sports. Meanwhile, New Orleans residents passionately support their NFL team, the Saints, and NBA team, the Pelicans.
Oklahoma City, OK
New Orleans, LA
Oklahoma City, OK and 
New Orleans, LA : 577.3 miles
