When comparing Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, it becomes apparent that each city offers its unique blend of culture, lifestyle, and economic opportunities. These two cities differ in many ways, including their climate, geographical features, cost of living, cultural scenes, and economic growth. This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive outlook on the major aspects of life in both cities, helping people who plan to relocate or visit as tourists, make a well-informed decision.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Virginia Beach, VA : 1,197.5 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 50%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
Oklahoma City tends to have a higher crime rate compared to Virginia Beach. However, like any metropolitan area, crime levels can vary greatly depending on the particular neighborhood. On the other hand, Virginia Beach is frequently listed as one of the safest cities of its size in the United States, offering comfort and safety to both residents and tourists.
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 1,388 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 706 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 460 to 1; the ratio in Virginia Beach is 641 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Oklahoma City than in Virginia Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally lower in Oklahoma City compared to Virginia Beach. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly cheaper in Oklahoma City. However, keep in mind that salaries might also be lower in Oklahoma City compared to Virginia Beach. Knowing this, it's important to balance job opportunities and wages against living costs for a fair comparison.
Income Tax
Oklahoma has a state income tax, whereas Virginia has both a state and local income tax. The exact rate varies depending on a range of factors including filing status and income level.
Property Tax
The property tax rates in both cities are fairly comparable, with Virginia Beach being slightly higher. The actual amount taxpayers owe will also depend on the assessed value of their property.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City's combined city and state sales tax rate is higher than that of Virginia Beach. This might be a factor to consider as it can impact your overall cost of living.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
97
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $56,792 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City is situated in the heart of the Great Plains and is known for its flat, expansive landscapes. Virginia Beach, in sharp contrast, is located on the Atlantic coast and features beautiful beaches and waterways.
Both cities offer quality education to residents. Oklahoma City serves students through the Oklahoma City Public Schools system, along with various private schools. For higher education, it is home to several universities including the University of Oklahoma. Virginia Beach's education system is served by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, along with a range of private institutions. For higher education, students can attend Regent University, among others.
Oklahoma City has a diverse economy with sectors like energy, aerospace and healthcare providing a lot of employment. Virginia Beach's economy is more centered on defense, agriculture, and tourism. It's important to note that Virginia Beach is part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which provides additional employment opportunities.
Biggest Employers
Oklahoma City's largest employers are Oklahoma State University, Integris Health, and the state government. In Virginia Beach, top employers include the City of Virginia Beach, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), and Geico.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
2020
48.1%
51.6%
49.2%
46.2%
2.7%
2.2%
2016
41.2%
44.8%
51.7%
48.4%
7.1%
6.8%
2012
41.7%
48.1%
58.3%
50.7%
0.0%
1.2%
2008
41.6%
49.3%
58.4%
50.1%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
35.8%
40.4%
64.2%
59.3%
0.0%
0.4%
2000
36.6%
41.8%
62.3%
56.1%
1.1%
2.1%
1996
36.5%
41.4%
54.7%
50.6%
8.8%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
4.9%
20.0%
13.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
10.7%
3.0%
4.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
1.4%
1.3%
4.2%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
2.9%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.0%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.5%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.4%
0.1%
0.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.8%
0.6%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
0.9%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
Oklahoma City experiences hot, muggy summers and mild to cool winters, with a substantial amount of annual rainfall. Tornado threats are prevalent in spring and early summer. In contrast, Virginia Beach enjoys a milder, coastal climate with warm, humid summers and moderate winters. Due to its coastal location, the city can experience hurricanes during the late summer and early fall.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
53%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
2018
85
57
0.29
0.27
6.6
6.3
31.9
31.3
0.002
0.002
21.3
N/A
9.6
6.1
0.0
0.4
2017
82
60
0.32
0.22
6.7
6.8
33.0
33.2
0.002
0.002
20.7
N/A
8.9
6.9
0.0
0.3
2016
72
66
0.29
0.21
6.6
6.5
31.9
31.7
0.002
0.002
19.4
N/A
8.5
6.1
0.2
0.4
2015
76
57
0.24
0.27
7.0
7.3
31.5
33.8
0.002
0.002
19.1
N/A
7.8
6.4
0.5
0.5
2014
84
59
0.15
0.27
7.1
7.5
32.4
33.8
0.002
0.002
N/A
N/A
8.7
6.8
0.1
1.1
2013
84
66
0.14
0.28
8.6
7.1
32.8
31.2
0.002
0.002
N/A
N/A
9.3
6.8
0.2
1.1
2012
97
76
0.13
0.29
9.4
7.8
34.0
34.6
0.007
0.002
N/A
N/A
7.9
8.1
0.3
1.1
2011
107
66
0.24
0.27
9.9
9.2
36.3
35.1
0.003
0.003
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.8
0.8
1.7
2010
81
71
0.30
0.25
8.8
4.8
31.7
38.4
0.002
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
2.2
2009
82
51
0.52
0.25
8.1
9.7
31.9
31.5
0.002
0.012
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.7
2.6
2008
78
77
0.51
0.23
9.8
10.3
31.0
36.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.3
2007
81
81
0.44
0.18
10.2
12.2
29.4
36.3
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
4.3
2006
95
62
0.43
0.32
10.1
N/A
33.7
36.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
3.4
2005
88
67
0.38
0.28
11.6
N/A
31.0
35.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
3.4
2004
75
80
0.46
0.30
10.5
15.9
28.6
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
4.3
2003
87
84
0.42
0.34
10.9
16.2
30.8
34.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
2002
91
99
0.35
0.40
14.3
17.8
29.0
38.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
5.9
2001
87
92
0.69
0.42
13.1
18.2
31.0
36.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
6.0
2000
89
85
0.66
0.44
13.4
15.7
29.5
36.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
0%
Transportation
Oklahoma City is largely car-dependent, with limited public transportation options. However, recent developments like the Oklahoma City Streetcar system are improving public transit within the downtown area. In Virginia Beach, public transportation is provided by Hampton Roads Transit. Biking and walking are more common due to the city's layout and milder climate.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
0
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
0.3%
1%
Carpooled
8.6%
9.5%
Car alone
87.6%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.4%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Average
25.6 min
24.8 min
Other means
21 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real-estate market in Oklahoma City is more affordable, with a median home price lower than the national average. In Virginia Beach, home prices are higher, but still relatively reasonable for a city of its size, especially considering its coastal location.
Neighborhoods
Oklahoma City's neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban and urban living, with areas like Nichols Hills known for affluence. Virginia Beach is known for its oceanfront neighborhoods like Chic's Beach and Sandbridge Beach, offering a unique beach-living experience.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Houses
302,241
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1978
1988
Median year house/condo built
1986
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
7
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$143,239
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$67,765
$85,917
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$401,957
Median house age
40
36
Renting percentage
40.3%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
769.2
House value disparities
34.7%
29%
Household income disparities
44.3%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
One, detached
67.8%
53.2%
One, attached
3.4%
18.3%
Two
2.0%
1.7%
3 or 4
5.1%
4.6%
5 to 9
6.0%
9.0%
10 to 19
5.6%
4.5%
20 to 49
2.4%
2.1%
50 or more
4.6%
5.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.1%
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
9,992
State government workers
17,132
6,577
Unpaid family workers
555
251
Industries and Occupations
Oklahoma City's diverse economic sectors of oil, gas & energy, aviation, and healthcare give rise to a wide range of occupations. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, has a wider tourism-based industry along with a significant agricultural sector. Jobs in defense are also prevalent due to the city's several military bases.
Both cities have robust healthcare sectors. Oklahoma City's renowned medical institutions include the OU Medical Center. Virginia Beach residents and visitors have access to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and other top rated hospitals in the Hampton Roads area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City has invested heavily in new infrastructure projects over the years. From the sprawling Bricktown entertainment district to the Boathouse Rowing District, the city is modern and growing. Virginia Beach also boasts impressive infrastructure, including the expansive Virginia Beach Boardwalk, popular for tourism.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
61
7
TV stations
20
24
Bank branches located here
183
96
Bank institutions located here
44
16
Main business address for public companies
15
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Virginia Beach
1999
2,925
0
2000
2,396
0
2001
1,824
0
2002
1,507
0
2003
2,014
941
2004
2,323
1,388
2005
3,134
1,545
2006
3,132
1,502
2007
2,036
1,073
2008
1,143
340
2009
593
167
Culture and Food
Oklahoma City offers an appealing blend of cowboy culture mixed with a modern urban atmosphere. The city's cuisine is diverse, with a distinct lean toward hearty Southern and American comfort food. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, offers a coastal culture with a strong naval history and seafood cuisine.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City boasts the Thunder, a well-regarded NBA basketball team. On the other hand, while Virginia Beach might not have a major professional team, it is a short drive away from the professional sports offerings in nearby cities like Norfolk and Richmond.
Oklahoma City, OK
Virginia Beach, VA
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 1,197.5 miles
