Oklahoma City vs Knoxville for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Oklahoma City Oklahoma | Knoxville Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,300 |
| Median home price | $225KBetter | $290K |
| State income tax | 4.8% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.6%Better | 9.5% |
| Monthly utilities | $175 | $168Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 93Better | 95 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $430Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 27 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 86Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Oklahoma City or Knoxville?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Oklahoma City scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $225K in Oklahoma City vs $290K in Knoxville. Oklahoma City is approximately 1% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Oklahoma City or Knoxville?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. Oklahoma has a 4.8% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Oklahoma City vs Knoxville?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $430 in Oklahoma City and $435 in Knoxville. That's a difference of ~$5/month, or ~$60/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Oklahoma City on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Oklahoma City, rent alone would consume approximately 26% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,100/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 64% (~$2,667/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Oklahoma City has a higher walk score (27 vs 26 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Oklahoma City offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Oklahoma City has the same purchasing power as $51K/year in Knoxville
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026