A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Lawton Oklahoma National
Cost of living8788100
Groceries9796100
Health care9395100
Housing6870100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9196100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9497100
Education & Childcare9393100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lawton, OK

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lawton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lawton stands at 87, making it 13% 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lawton?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 13 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Lawton. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 38% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 62% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Lawton Affordable?

Is Lawton an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Lawton, the median home price is 38.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 16.7% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Lawton come in at $71,979, which is 11.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lawton?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Lawton, healthcare costs are 7.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Lawton cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lawton is 1% lower than the Oklahoma average
  • The cost of living in Lawton is 13% lower than the national average
  • Lawton housing is 32% lower than the national average
  • Oklahoma general sales tax is 12% lower than the national average
  • Oklahoma state income tax is 90% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lawton

See all the best places to live around Lawton

Compare Lawton, OK Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,593$8,383$2,347$3,018
      Renters$52,917$4,410$1,235$1,588
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lawton, OK, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Lawton, the median monthly income is $100,593 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,347 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,917, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,235 on monthly rental expenses.

      Oklahoma Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Oklahoma 4.5% 11%

      Oklahoma Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Oklahoma 0.25% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sterling, OK6988119.3%
      Geronimo, OK1,2278317.1%
      Fletcher, OK1,0068514.5%
      Chattanooga, OK4748614.5%
      Cache, OK2,9038911.3%
      Lawton, OK97,2078713.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lynn, MA97,23513434.4%
      South Gate, CA97,25514444.3%
      Sunrise, FL97,29711212.2%
      New Bedford, MA97,31511616.5%
      Livonia, MI97,3921021.5%
      Lawton, OK97,2078713.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.