Living in Oklahoma City, OK, and Staten Island, NY, can be markedly different experiences. Oklahoma City often appeals to those desiring a slower pace of life with more space, while Staten Island combines aspects of suburban and city lifestyles within the New York City area. Each location has its distinctive features, from weather conditions, cost of living, public transit, to safety levels, education, and job opportunities. This comprehensive comparison using several factors should prove useful for those considering relocation or visitation to either of these cities.
In terms of safety, Oklahoma City has a higher crime rate than Staten Island. According to data, not only does Oklahoma City have a high crime rate for the state, but also when compared nationally. However, more populated areas in central Oklahoma City can be safer than some outskirts. Staten Island, NY, has one of the lowest crime rates among the five boroughs of New York City, offering a feeling of safety and security for residents and tourists alike.
Cost of Living
Oklahoma City is generally much cheaper than Staten Island in terms of cost of living. Everything from housing, grocery costs, and general expenses tends to be lower in Oklahoma City. However, Staten Island is less expensive compared to other NYC boroughs. When accounting for higher wages in New York, the cost of living may even out to some extent.
Income Tax
Oklahoma City residents face lower income tax rates compared to those living in Staten Island, where residents are subject to both city and state income tax.
Property Tax
Oklahoma City has a lower property tax rate than Staten Island. However, property values are generally higher in Staten Island, leading to higher overall tax bills.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City's combined city and state sales tax rate is higher than Staten Island's. However, New York City has a higher income tax rate.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$86,054
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$38,678
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
164.1
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $96,077 in Staten Island to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City, located in the heart of the Great Plains, is largely flat, with a notable risk of tornadoes. Staten Island, the least populated of the NYC boroughs, is known for its green spaces and parks, including the notable Greenbelt.
Geographical information
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Land area
607 sq. miles
58.5 sq. miles
Population density
1,133 people per sq. mile
8,225.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Oklahoma City, OK Staten Island, NY
Education
Educational opportunities differ notably between these two cities. Oklahoma City offers a diverse mix of public, private, and charter schools but faces challenges with underfunding. Staten Island, however, boasts some of New York's top public high schools and has access to the vast educational opportunities and institutions within the larger New York City area.
Oklahoma City's economy is diverse, with sectors like energy, healthcare, and aviation leading the way. Staten Island's economy is intertwined with that of greater NYC area and includes sectors like healthcare, retail trade, and education. As part of NYC, Staten Island residents may have access to a broader job market, including in Manhattan.
Biggest Employers
The top three employers in Oklahoma City are the State of Oklahoma, Tinker Air Force Base, and the University of Oklahoma. On Staten Island, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island University Hospital, and the City of New York are the top employers.
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Staten Island (Richmond County), 50.8% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
2020
48.1%
42.2%
49.2%
57.1%
2.7%
0.7%
2016
41.2%
41.0%
51.7%
56.1%
7.1%
2.9%
2012
41.7%
50.8%
58.3%
48.3%
0.0%
0.9%
2008
41.6%
47.8%
58.4%
51.9%
0.0%
0.4%
2004
35.8%
42.8%
64.2%
56.5%
0.0%
0.7%
2000
36.6%
52.1%
62.3%
45.1%
1.1%
2.9%
1996
36.5%
50.5%
54.7%
40.8%
8.8%
8.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
0.2%
20.0%
3.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
54.2%
3.0%
20.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.3%
5.0%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
2.9%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.0%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.5%
2.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.6%
0.1%
1.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.7%
0.6%
3.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.6%
0.9%
4.0%
Weather
Weather between these two areas is quite different, with Oklahoma City experiencing a temperate climate, including hot summers and mild winters. Tornadoes are a reality in this part of the country's "Tornado Alley". Meanwhile, Staten Island has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by cool winters and hot, wet summers. Winters can be particularly icy and snow-laden here, offering a stark contrast to Oklahoma City's milder winter months.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
54.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
67.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
29.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
77%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
47.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
47.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
60 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
44%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Staten Island, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
2018
85
94
0.29
0.35
6.6
17.1
31.9
24.1
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
9.6
7.9
0.0
0.4
2017
82
98
0.32
0.32
6.7
17.0
33.0
27.0
0.002
N/A
20.7
N/A
8.9
7.6
0.0
0.2
2016
72
94
0.29
0.37
6.6
17.9
31.9
28.5
0.002
N/A
19.4
N/A
8.5
7.7
0.2
0.2
2015
76
102
0.24
0.39
7.0
18.9
31.5
27.3
0.002
N/A
19.1
N/A
7.8
8.6
0.5
0.4
2014
84
97
0.15
0.38
7.1
19.2
32.4
25.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
8.3
0.1
0.7
2013
84
99
0.14
0.39
8.6
19.6
32.8
27.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
8.5
0.2
0.8
2012
97
102
0.13
0.42
9.4
19.3
34.0
26.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
9.2
0.3
1.4
2011
107
108
0.24
0.42
9.9
21.4
36.3
28.1
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
10.2
0.8
2.0
2010
81
114
0.30
0.40
8.8
19.9
31.7
28.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
9.4
0.7
1.8
2009
82
105
0.52
0.39
8.1
22.5
31.9
25.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.5
0.7
2.4
2008
78
111
0.51
0.39
9.8
23.0
31.0
24.3
N/A
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
1.4
3.4
2007
81
123
0.44
0.44
10.2
24.2
29.4
23.3
N/A
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
2.0
4.3
2006
95
117
0.43
0.55
10.1
25.6
33.7
24.7
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1
1.2
5.3
2005
88
112
0.38
0.69
11.6
27.3
31.0
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
7.3
2004
75
109
0.46
0.68
10.5
26.4
28.6
22.2
N/A
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
6.9
2003
87
112
0.42
0.76
10.9
28.0
30.8
22.1
N/A
0.006
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
2002
91
125
0.35
0.74
14.3
30.6
29.0
24.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
26.1
N/A
N/A
2.0
6.6
2001
87
124
0.69
0.81
13.1
32.4
31.0
24.9
N/A
0.020
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
1.8
7.2
2000
89
116
0.66
0.93
13.4
33.0
29.5
23.1
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
3.0
7.2
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
61.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
31.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
19%
Transportation
Oklahoma City relies heavily on cars for commuting, with a less developed public transit system. Staten Island, in contrast, boasts a comprehensive public transit system, including buses, rail, and ferry service, linking it with other NYC boroughs.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
39
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
0.3%
19.2%
Carpooled
8.6%
12.1%
Car alone
87.6%
54.3%
Ferryboat
0%
5.3%
Railroad
0%
0.9%
Subway
0%
2.6%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.4%
Walked
1.4%
2.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Average
25.6 min
45.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Oklahoma City tends to be more affordable than in Staten Island, making it a more accessible option for homeownership. Staten Island's real estate market is more expensive, reflecting prices common in the larger NYC area, although it is more affordable when compared to other boroughs.
Neighborhoods
Oklahoma City offers a mix of suburban and urban neighborhoods, each with its own character. Staten Island offers a suburban lifestyle within a city framework. Its North Shore is more urban, while the South Shore is more suburban.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Houses
302,241
163,993
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.8
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
156,341 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
99,732 (63.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
56,609 (36.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$1,320
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$369,853
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$605,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.1
Renting percentage
40.3%
35.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
2,804.3
Household income disparities
44.3%
43.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
19,289 (25%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
160 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
57,986 (75%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
5,623 (7.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
4,499 (5.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
7,611
State government workers
17,132
6,285
Unpaid family workers
555
394
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Oklahoma City include aviation, biotechnology, energy, and healthcare. In Staten Island, the healthcare industry is predominant. Additionally, due to its proximity to Manhattan, a significant number of residents commute to jobs in various industries located in other NYC boroughs.
Oklahoma City has an extensive healthcare system, with renowned institutions like Integris Baptist Medical Center and OU Medical Center. Staten Island also has robust healthcare facilities, including two major hospitals - Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital.
Oklahoma City is known for urban sprawl while Staten Island is better for walkability. Housing is more scattered throughout Oklahoma City, requiring a car for most activities. Staten Island is more compact and has a wide range of public transportation options, including buses, ferries, and trains that connect to other NYC boroughs.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Hospitals
61
25
TV stations
20
30
Bank branches located here
183
104
Bank institutions located here
44
19
Main business address for public companies
15
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
21
3
Schools
School facilities
Type
Oklahoma City
Staten Island
Private elementary/middle schools
19
22
Private high schools
10
13
Public elementary/middle schools
126
63
Public high schools
25
16
Colleges/Universities
22
5
Culture and Food
Oklahoma City has a vibrant cowboy culture, with rodeos, Western-themed museums, and hearty American cuisine. Staten Island offers a wealth of cultural diversity, showcasing food and festivities from various cultures. It also offers access to the broader cultural scene of New York City.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the Thunder, a popular NBA team. Staten Island doesn't have any major league teams, but the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league baseball team, and the proximity to NYC gives access to multiple major league sports teams.
Oklahoma City, OK
Staten Island, NY
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Staten Island, NY : 1,316.5 miles
