Comparing two diverse cities like Oklahoma City, OK, and Tucson, AZ, reveals interesting contrasts and similarities. Both are known for their unique charm, but each offers different experiences when it comes to lifestyle, culture, and opportunities. Factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and more take center stage in this comparison. Whether considering a relocation or just planning a visit, the information below provides useful insights into what to expect in each city.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Tucson, AZ : 799.7 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 27%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Tucson has grown by 56,543 people (11.6%) during that time.
Oklahoma City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with both property and violent crime rates being higher. However, efforts have been made to reduce crime, including increased police presence and neighborhood watches. Tucson also has a crime rate higher than the national average, although the crime rates vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Both cities are investing in crime reduction strategies such as community policing and surveillance.
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 1,383 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1; the ratio in Tucson is 384 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Oklahoma City is near to than in Tucson.
Cost of Living
Living in Oklahoma City is generally cheaper than in Tucson. Housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation costs are lower in Oklahoma City, making it more affordable than many other US cities. Tucson's cost of living, while higher than Oklahoma City, is still slightly lower than the national average, mainly due to affordable housing and healthcare costs.
Income Tax
Oklahoma imposes a state income tax on its residents, with rates ranging from 0.5% to 5%. In Arizona, the state tax rates range between 2.59%-4.5%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Oklahoma City are lower than the national average and significantly lower than in Tucson. However, Tucson residents often find the higher property taxes balanced by the lower cost of housing in the city.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City has a combined city-state sales tax rate of about 8.63%, which is higher than Tucson’s combined rate of about 8.1%.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$50,306
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$27,821
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
90.1
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $52,752 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City lies in the Great Plains region, making it flat with a few small manmade lakes. Tucson, situated in the Sonoran Desert, is surrounded by multiple mountain ranges and is known for its stunning desert landscape.
Both cities are home to top-rated universities and schools. Oklahoma City is home to the University of Oklahoma, known for its research programs. Tucson houses the University of Arizona, well-regarded for its programs in Management and Law. Both cities have several public and private school options for K-12 education.
Oklahoma City's economy is diverse, with sectors like energy, agriculture, aerospace, and healthcare leading the way. Tucson has a mixed economy with industries such as education, healthcare, technology, and tourism providing the majority of employment opportunities.
Biggest Employers
Oklahoma City's largest employers include Integris Health, the University of Oklahoma, and Chesapeake Energy. In Tucson, the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and Banner – University Medical Center are the biggest employers.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 1,134 building permits issued in Tucson in 2012 (832 more than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
2020
48.1%
58.4%
49.2%
39.8%
2.7%
1.7%
2016
41.2%
53.3%
51.7%
39.7%
7.1%
7.0%
2012
41.7%
52.7%
58.3%
45.7%
0.0%
1.6%
2008
41.6%
52.4%
58.4%
46.3%
0.0%
1.4%
2004
35.8%
52.7%
64.2%
46.7%
0.0%
0.6%
2000
36.6%
51.4%
62.3%
43.3%
1.1%
5.3%
1996
36.5%
52.2%
54.7%
39.4%
8.8%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
2.3%
20.0%
10.4%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
20.8%
3.0%
7.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.8%
1.3%
1.4%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
2.9%
0.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.0%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.5%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.1%
0.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.9%
0.9%
2.5%
Weather
Oklahoma City experiences a temperate climate, experiencing all four seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Tornadoes can occur in Oklahoma City due to its location in 'Tornado Alley'. Tucson, being in the Sonoran desert, has hot summers and mild winters with very low humidity. It also experiences monsoon season from June to September, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
70°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
38.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
58%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
32.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
15%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
94%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
79%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Oklahoma City
Tucson
2018
85
87
0.29
0.19
6.6
8.3
31.9
32.0
0.002
N/A
21.3
29.9
9.6
5.5
0.0
0.1
2017
82
73
0.32
0.18
6.7
8.4
33.0
31.7
0.002
N/A
20.7
32.2
8.9
7.1
0.0
0.1
2016
72
68
0.29
0.21
6.6
7.9
31.9
29.7
0.002
N/A
19.4
25.3
8.5
4.5
0.2
0.1
2015
76
62
0.24
0.21
7.0
8.7
31.5
29.7
0.002
N/A
19.1
25.4
7.8
5.1
0.5
0.2
2014
84
74
0.15
0.19
7.1
10.0
32.4
28.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
28.0
8.7
5.6
0.1
0.2
2013
84
94
0.14
0.17
8.6
10.4
32.8
30.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
30.9
9.3
6.8
0.2
0.2
2012
97
73
0.13
0.20
9.4
11.8
34.0
30.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
31.2
7.9
5.6
0.3
0.2
2011
107
81
0.24
0.22
9.9
11.9
36.3
31.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
29.7
9.9
5.8
0.8
0.3
2010
81
68
0.30
0.29
8.8
10.8
31.7
30.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
25.5
9.8
N/A
0.7
0.5
2009
82
82
0.52
0.25
8.1
11.2
31.9
29.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
31.9
10.2
N/A
0.7
0.5
2008
78
81
0.51
0.29
9.8
12.2
31.0
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.9
2007
81
75
0.44
0.37
10.2
13.4
29.4
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.3
N/A
N/A
2.0
0.9
2006
95
74
0.43
0.41
10.1
15.3
33.7
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
1.2
0.6
2005
88
76
0.38
0.43
11.6
15.1
31.0
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8
N/A
N/A
1.3
0.7
2004
75
77
0.46
0.49
10.5
15.6
28.6
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
0.6
1.2
2003
87
81
0.42
0.57
10.9
17.2
30.8
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2002
91
76
0.35
0.56
14.3
16.9
29.0
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.0
2001
87
70
0.69
0.55
13.1
16.4
31.0
26.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.2
N/A
N/A
1.8
0.8
2000
89
78
0.66
0.50
13.4
16.7
29.5
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
8.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
1,584.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
13%
Transportation
Both cities have a pretty reliable public transportation system - Oklahoma City with its METRO Transit buses and Tucson with Sun Tran buses and Sun Link streetcars. However, as both cities are spread out, a car is often the most convenient mode of transport.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
983
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
14
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Bicycle
0.2%
1%
Bus
0.3%
1.9%
Carpooled
8.6%
11.5%
Car alone
87.6%
81.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Average
25.6 min
26 min
Other means
21 min
21.6 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
42.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
86.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Oklahoma City offers affordable real estate with median home prices significantly lower than the national average. Tucson's real estate market comes with slightly higher costs, but it still remains affordable when compared to many other U.S cities.
Neighborhoods
Oklahoma City boasts neighborhoods like Nichols Hills and The Village, known for their upscale homes and amenities. Tucson has historic neighborhoods like El Presidio and Barrio Historico, known for their architectural beauty and cultural significance. Both cities offer a mix of urban and suburban living options.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Houses
302,241
242,816
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1978
1979
Median year house/condo built
1986
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
223,068 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
114,708 (51.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
108,360 (48.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$801.80
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$951
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$557,132
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$224,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$262,219
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$147,793
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$125,313
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$135,055
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$48,136
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$67,765
$53,411
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$210,375
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$234,849
Median house age
40
43
Renting percentage
40.3%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
1,247.3
House value disparities
34.7%
32.8%
Household income disparities
44.3%
44.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$76,356
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$54,612
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
1,087 (1.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
2,785 (3.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
70,054 (98.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
211 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
4,051 (5.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Tucson
One, detached
67.8%
53.5%
One, attached
3.4%
8.3%
Two
2.0%
2.5%
3 or 4
5.1%
4.3%
5 to 9
6.0%
5.0%
10 to 19
5.6%
5.6%
20 to 49
2.4%
5.8%
50 or more
4.6%
8.6%
Mobile homes
3.1%
6.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
14,487
State government workers
17,132
17,981
Unpaid family workers
555
709
Industries and Occupations
The oil, gas and energy industry is dominant in Oklahoma City. Other occupations are centered around healthcare, construction, and retail. Tucson heavily leans towards education and healthcare sectors for occupation, but also has a growing number of jobs in the tech industry.
Both cities have excellent healthcare utilities. Oklahoma City is home to number of highly ranked hospitals including Integris Baptist Medical Center. Tucson is known for the University of Arizona's College of Medicine and its associated Banner-University Medical Center, one of the top-rated hospitals in the state.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City has been investing in infrastructural development, encompassing road improvements, public park enhancements, and downtown revitalization projects. In Tucson, developments such as the modern streetcar system and improvements in road infrastructure have been made to boost the city's appeal to residents and tourists.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Tucson
Hospitals
61
24
TV stations
20
20
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
183
159
Bank institutions located here
44
17
Main business address for public companies
15
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Tucson
1999
2,925
3,131
2000
2,396
1,601
2001
1,824
912
2002
1,507
778
2003
2,014
1,409
2004
2,323
2,041
2005
3,134
2,872
2006
3,132
2,833
2007
2,036
1,601
2008
1,143
714
2009
593
386
Culture and Food
Oklahoma City offers a blend of western and city living culture, with a burgeoning food scene that includes everything from barbecue to food trucks. Tucson offers a rich southwestern culture, with a food scene recognized by UNESCO for its culinary heritage, particularly for Mexican and Native American influenced cuisine.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Tucson, although not hosting any major league sports teams, is a big college sports city with the University of Arizona's Wildcats being a major draw.
Oklahoma City, OK
Tucson, AZ
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Tucson, AZ : 799.7 miles
