| Index | Altus | Oklahoma | National |
| Cost of living | 84 | 88 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Housing | 58 | 70 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 91 | 96 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 94 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 93 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Altus? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Altus stands at 84, making it 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Altus distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 42.1% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Altus can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Altus. The feedback revealed that 43% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 57% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Altus is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Altus, for example, the median home price is 50.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 23% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Altus boasting a median household income of $72,011, which is 11.5% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Altus, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and income tax rates begin at 0.25%.
Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Altus, the groceries index is 3.5% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Altus, the transportation index stands at 1.7% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Altus are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $98,253 | $8,188 | $2,292 | $2,948 |
| Renters | $51,689 | $4,307 | $1,206 | $1,551 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Oklahoma | 4.5% | 11% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Oklahoma | 0.25% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Friendship, OK | 38 | 95 | 5.3% |
| Headrick, OK | 73 | 74 | 26.2% |
| Tipton, OK | 769 | 78 | 22.3% |
| Olustee, OK | 749 | 79 | 21.4% |
| Elmer, OK | 96 | 79 | 21.3% |
| Altus, OK | 19,157 | 84 | 16.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Creve Coeur, MO | 19,159 | 133 | 32.6% |
| Twinsburg, OH | 19,149 | 103 | 3.4% |
| Augusta, ME | 19,148 | 96 | 3.8% |
| Forest Park, OH | 19,147 | 91 | 8.9% |
| Chowchilla, CA | 19,143 | 114 | 14.4% |
| Altus, OK | 19,157 | 84 | 16.3% |
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