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Oklahoma City, OK BAH Rates, Housing, Education, & Cost of Living

Discover Oklahoma City BAH Rates, Housing, Education, & Cost of Living

Find housing, employment, cost-of-living, and BAH rates for Oklahoma City, OK. Listed below are BAH Rates, college and universities, cost-of-living information, school resources for children of military families, and things to see and do in the Oklahoma City area.

Some of the military installations in Oklahoma include:

• Altus AFB
• Fort Sill
• McAlester Army Ammunition Plant
• Tinker Air Force Base
• USAREC, Oklahoma City Battalion
• Vance AFB

For information on veteran benefits, please visit our Oklahoma veteran and disabled veteran benefits page.

Oklahoma City, OK BAH Rates

Paygrade	With	Without
E1	$ 1,542	$ 1,248
E2	$ 1,542	$ 1,248
E3	$ 1,542	$ 1,248
E4	$ 1,542	$ 1,248
E5	$ 1,644	$ 1,365
E6	$ 1,854	$ 1,443
E7	$ 1,896	$ 1,542
E8	$ 1,944	$ 1,692
E9	$ 2,034	$ 1,743
W1	$ 1,869	$ 1,518
W2	$ 1,914	$ 1,689
W3	$ 1,977	$ 1,752
W4	$ 2,055	$ 1,854
W5	$ 2,157	$ 1,905
O1e	$ 1,902	$ 1,641
O2e	$ 1,965	$ 1,731
O3e	$ 2,070	$ 1,842
O1	$ 1,677	$ 1,434
O2	$ 1,851	$ 1,614
O3	$ 1,974	$ 1,773
O4	$ 2,184	$ 1,890
O5	$ 2,337	$ 1,911
O6	$ 2,355	$ 1,953
O7	$ 2,367	$ 1,986

 

Updated with the 2026 BAH data.

Oklahoma City Local Colleges and Universities

Oklahoma City is home to several colleges and universities. Below is a partial list.

• The University of Oklahoma (zip code – 73019)

• University of Central Oklahoma (zip code – 73034)

• Langston University (zip code – 73050)

• Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City (zip code – 73107)

• Oklahoma Christian University (zip code – 73013)

• Oklahoma City University (zip code – 73106)

• Central Oklahoma College (zip code – 73134)

To find more Oklahoma City schools, use the free CollegeRecon School Finder tool.

Cost of Living in Oklahoma City

According to Bestplaces, the cost of living in Oklahoma City has an index of 85.5, which is 14.5 percent below the national average and 4.0 percent below the Oklahoma average. Notably, the cost of housing is particularly low at 56.6 when compared to the U.S average, making Oklahoma City an affordable place to live.

Category/Index

• Overall – 85.5
• Housing – 56.6
• Groceries – 94.7
• Transportation – 95.5
• Utilities – 97.1

Other categories to consider

• Healthcare
• Childcare
• Taxes

Oklahoma City Housing

The cost and availability of housing are key factors in deciding where to live. As of November 2023, the average rent in Oklahoma City is $980, according to Rentcafe. People enjoy living in Oklahoma City for its affordability, employment opportunities, and access to entertainment and outdoor activities.

The most affordable and safe neighborhoods in Oklahoma City include:

• Downtown Oklahoma City – $793
• Nichols Hills – $918
• Crown Heights-Edgemere Heights $793

Other desirable neighborhoods in Oklahoma City include Edgemere Park, Mesta Park, Paseo Arts District, and Quail Creek. According to Realtor.com, the average sale price of a home as of December 2023 is approximately $243,300, and Oklahoma City is a balanced market, meaning supply and demand are roughly equal.

To learn more about VA Loan Program benefits, you can get a free eligibility assessment from our VA loan partner.

Primary Education

Oklahoma City is home to high-quality primary schools through local school districts, charter schools, and private schools. Additionally residents living on the Tinker Air Force Base installation will attend Tinker Elementary, Midwest City Middle School, and Midwest City High School. Some of the top-rated primary schools according to GreatSchools.org include:

• KIPP Reach College Preparatory
• Central Elementary School
• Coronado Heights Elementary School
• John Rex Charter Elementary

Employment Opportunities

Oklahoma City has a diverse economy that offers employment in numerous industries. There are a growing number of companies located in the area which makes it a prime place to find employment. According to BestPlaces, the job market in Oklahoma City has increased by 2.6% over the last year, and the unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is lower than the US average.

According to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, job seekers can find employment in the following industries:

• Aviation and Aerospace
• Biotechnology
• Energy
• Transportation and Logistics
• Government
• Healthcare
• Telecommunications

Fun fact: a unique feature of Oklahoma City’s employment landscape is its diverse geography and four seasons, which make it an excellent place for meteorologists to study global weather patterns.

>> To find organizations seeking to recruit and place military, veterans, and spouses, please visit CareerRecon.

Things to See and Do in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City exists at a nexus between the rich heritage of Indigenous Americans, frontier heritage, a thriving arts scene, and beautiful natural features. Because of this, there are many activities in the Oklahoma City area for people of all ages.

• Visit the First Americans Museum to learn more about the unique histories and cultures of the 39 tribes that are indigenous to Oklahoma. This museum also features a full-service restaurant offering cuisine inspired by Indigenous American culture, as well as a museum store where you can purchase handcrafted items from First American artists.
• Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum to honor the victims and survivors of the 1995 bombing. The museum features interactive exhibits, collections of stories, objects from the tragedy, and an area for reflection.
• Have a historic overnight experience at the Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm to get in touch with the past of the American West. The lodging features traditional camping or a more luxurious approach with temperature-controlled Teepees and Wagons.
•  Enjoy an art-filled day by visiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Both spaces offer unique exhibitions, educational opportunities, and performances.
• Get some outdoor recreation time in at Scissortail Park, a 70-acre outdoor space that winds through downtown Oklahoma City. It features gardens, groves, and fun experiences like concerts, farmers’ markets, and more.