A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Stillwater Oklahoma National
Cost of living9688100
Groceries9696100
Health care9395100
Housing9970100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare8993100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Stillwater, OK

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Stillwater is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Stillwater is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Stillwater is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 5 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Stillwater. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Stillwater Affordable?

Wondering if Stillwater 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 Stillwater, for example, the median home price is 4.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Stillwater boasting a median household income of $52,752, which is 35.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Stillwater?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Stillwater, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 0.25%.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Stillwater, the utilities index registers 5% lower than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Stillwater, the housing index is 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Stillwater 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Stillwater is 9% higher than the Oklahoma average
  • The cost of living in Stillwater is 4% lower than the national average
  • Stillwater housing is 1% 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 Stillwater

See all the best places to live around Stillwater

Compare Stillwater, OK Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,656$8,971$2,512$3,230
      Renters$32,568$2,714$760$977
      The affordability of the housing market in Stillwater, OK as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Stillwater homeowners, the median income is $107,656. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,512 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $32,568. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $760 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Coyle, OK6277624.3%
      Langston, OK1,4667722.6%
      Glencoe, OK5107920.8%
      Ripley, OK2758020.3%
      Perry, OK5,1308416.4%
      Stillwater, OK51,366964.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Hartford, CT51,3521055.2%
      Little Elm, TX51,39511616.0%
      Poway, CA51,31117978.8%
      Enid, OK51,3018811.9%
      Plainfield, NJ51,29512221.5%
      Stillwater, OK51,366964.1%
      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.