Oklahoma City vs Burlington

Category / Metric	Oklahoma City	Burlington
Financial Overview
Median Income	$67,015	$68,854
Unemployment Rate	3%	2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$269,000	$486,000
Price per SqFt	$160	$342
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$884	$1,441
Housing Cost Index	78.1	101.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.2	96.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	748.0	173.3
Bachelor's Degree+	37%	61%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	36

Oklahoma City vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're weighing two wildly different American cities: Oklahoma City, the sprawling, sun-baked capital of the plains, versus Burlington, Vermont's jewel of the Northeast. One is a city of 700,000 people with a cost of living that makes your wallet sigh with relief. The other is a quaint lakeside town of 44,000 with a price tag that might give you some serious sticker shock.

This isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing affordability and a laid-back, big-small-town vibe? Or are you willing to pay a premium for walkability, four distinct seasons, and a progressive, outdoorsy culture?

Let’s settle this with a no-holds-barred data dive. Forget the glossy brochures—we're looking at the raw numbers, the hidden costs, and the real-life trade-offs. Grab your coffee; we’re going deep.

The Vibe Check: What Are You Really Signing Up For?

Oklahoma City: The Affordable Metropolis
OKC is a city that’s been quietly reinventing itself. It’s not the dusty outpost you might imagine. With a population of 702,654, it has the energy of a major city—complete with a booming downtown, a world-class NBA team, and a surprisingly diverse food scene—but it still feels approachable. The vibe is genuinely friendly, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in community. It’s the kind of place where you can get a fantastic steak dinner for $30, own a home with a yard, and not sweat the daily grind. It’s for folks who value space, simplicity, and a lower-stakes pace of life. Think: young families wanting a backyard, budget-conscious professionals, or anyone feeling priced out of coastal metros.

Burlington: The Walkable, Outdoorsy Haven
Burlington is a different beast entirely. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondacks and Green Mountains as a backdrop, it’s a postcard-perfect New England town. The vibe is progressive, health-conscious, and outdoorsy. It’s a city where you can walk or bike almost everywhere, where the local co-op is packed with organic kale, and where the seasonal rhythm dictates life. It’s small (44,649 people), so you’ll run into neighbors constantly. It’s for those who crave four distinct seasons (including a real winter), prioritize sustainability, and are willing to trade square footage for a vibrant, walkable community. Think: outdoor enthusiasts, grad students, remote workers, and retirees who want an active, engaged lifestyle.

Verdict: If you want the amenities of a city without the crushing cost, Oklahoma City is your match. If you crave a tight-knit, walkable community with epic natural beauty and don’t mind a premium price, Burlington is calling your name.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power.

The Sticker Shock Table

Cost of Living Metric	Oklahoma City	Burlington	The Difference
Median Home Price	$269,000	$551,600	105% MORE in Burlington
Median Rent (1BR)	$884	$1,441	63% MORE in Burlington
Housing Index	78.1 (22% below nat'l avg)	101.7 (1.7% above nat'l avg)	23.6 point gap
Median Income	$67,015	$68,854	Virtually a tie

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor
On the surface, the median incomes look nearly identical. But the purchasing power is in a different universe. If you earn $100,000 in Oklahoma City, your money goes roughly 29% further than it would in Burlington, based on the housing index alone. That’s not a small difference; that’s a life-altering gap.

The biggest financial advantage for OKC? No state income tax. Oklahoma has a progressive income tax, but it tops out at 4.75%. In Vermont, the top marginal rate is 8.75%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s an extra $4,000 of your paycheck staying in your pocket in OKC. Combine that with housing costs that are less than half the price, and you’re looking at a massive difference in disposable income.

Insight: In Burlington, a large chunk of your income is funneled into shelter. In OKC, that same chunk buys you a mortgage payment and leaves room for savings, travel, and lifestyle. For anyone not independently wealthy, this is the single biggest dealbreaker.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Oklahoma City: A Buyer's Market with Room to Grow
With a median home price of $269,000, homeownership is within reach for many. The market is generally stable, with enough inventory to avoid frantic bidding wars. It’s a classic “buyers’ market” where you can take your time, negotiate, and find homes with space for the price. Renting is also incredibly accessible, with 1BR apartments averaging $884. This gives you flexibility to save up for a down payment without being house-poor.

Burlington: A Competitive Seller's Market
Burlington’s housing market is tight. The median home price of $551,600 is steep, and due to its geographic constraints (it’s a peninsula between Lake Champlain and the mountains) and high desirability, inventory is low. You’ll likely face competition, especially for homes under $600,000. Renting is also expensive and competitive, with 1BRs at $1,441. You’re paying a premium for location, and that premium doesn’t leave much room for savings if you’re on a median income.

Verdict: For affordability and the dream of owning a single-family home with a yard, Oklahoma City wins decisively. Burlington is for those who have a significant budget or prioritize location over square footage.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Beyond the Numbers

Traffic & Commute

• Oklahoma City: It’s a car-dependent city. Public transit exists but isn’t robust. Commutes are generally easy with wide, well-maintained roads, though traffic can build up on the I-40 and I-235 corridors during rush hour. Average commute time is around 22 minutes.
• Burlington: This is a huge win for Burlington. It’s one of the most walkable/bikeable small cities in America. You can easily live without a car, and if you have one, traffic is minimal. The average commute is a breeze at 18 minutes.

Weather: The Climate Divide

• Oklahoma City: Get ready for extremes. Summers are scorching, with highs regularly hitting 95°F+ and high humidity. Springs bring the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Winters are generally mild but can have ice storms. It’s a sun-drenched, dramatic climate.
• Burlington: Four distinct seasons. Winters are snowy and long (expect 75 inches of snow annually and temps in the 20s). Springs are muddy, summers are idyllic and warm (highs in the 80s), and falls are spectacular. You must love snow or tolerate it.

Crime & Safety
This is a critical category where the data is stark.

• Oklahoma City: The violent crime rate is 748.0 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average. While much of the city is safe, especially the suburbs, crime is a real consideration and varies dramatically by neighborhood.
• Burlington: The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000. This is below the national average and remarkably low for a city of its size and location. It feels, and is statistically, much safer.

Verdict: Burlington wins for safety, walkability, and a more predictable (if colder) climate. Oklahoma City wins for traffic ease (if you drive) and sunnier winters, but safety is a serious concern that requires careful neighborhood research.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the clear verdict.

Winner for Families: Oklahoma City

Why: The math is undeniable. A median-income family can afford a median-priced home ($269k) with plenty of room left in the budget for childcare, activities, and savings. The schools in the suburbs are solid, and there’s endless space for kids to run. The dealbreaker here is the higher crime rate, but by choosing a safe suburb (Edmond, Yukon, Mustang), you mitigate that risk while keeping the financial benefits.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Burlington

Why: If you’re young, mobile, and value experience over equity, Burlington is intoxicating. The walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, proximity to outdoor adventure, and a university-town energy are perfect for this stage of life. While the cost is high, you’re paying for a lifestyle that’s hard to replicate. The key is to have a remote job with a coastal salary or work in tech/bio-tech, which are growing sectors here. For the median earner, it’s a tough financial slog.

Winner for Retirees: Oklahoma City

Why: This is a tough call, but financial security in retirement tips the scale. Oklahoma City offers a lower cost of living, no state income tax on retirement income (Social Security is not taxed in OK), and generally milder winters. The healthcare system is robust, and the city is easy to navigate. Burlington is gorgeous and active, but the high taxes and brutal winters can be challenging on a fixed income. If you have a robust pension and love snow, Burlington is a paradise. For most, OKC is the financially sensible choice.

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Pros & Cons: The Final Tally

Oklahoma City

Pros:

• Extremely Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far.
• No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
• Spacious Living: You can afford a house with a yard.
• Thriving Food & Cultural Scene: Surprisingly diverse and vibrant.
• Mild Winters: Avoids the deep freeze of the north.
• Easy Commutes: Generally low traffic congestion.

Cons:

• High Violent Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Car-Dependent: Limited walkability and public transit.
• Extreme Summer Heat: Brutal, humid summers.
• Tornado & Severe Weather Risk: A real seasonal threat.
• Less Outdoor Recreation: Not as close to major mountains/oceans.

Burlington

Pros:

• Incredibly Walkable & Bikeable: Easy to live car-free.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: On a lake, near mountains.
• Very Low Crime Rate: Safe and secure feel.
• Progressive, Vibrant Community: Active, engaged population.
• Four Beautiful Seasons: Especially spectacular falls.
• Small-Town Charm with City Amenities: Best of both worlds.

Cons:

• Extremely High Cost of Living: Housing is a massive burden.
• Brutal Winters: Long, snowy, and cold.
• High Taxes: Income and property taxes are steep.
• Limited Housing Inventory: Competitive and expensive market.
• Isolated Location: Far from major metropolitan hubs.
• Small Size: Can feel limiting for career/network opportunities.

The Bottom Line: If your priority is financial freedom, space, and a lower-stakes lifestyle, Oklahoma City is the clear, pragmatic choice. If your priority is safety, walkability, outdoor access, and you have the budget to afford it, Burlington offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat—just be prepared to pay for it.