Best Cities for Data Scientists in Oklahoma
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $100,000 salary
Oklahoma has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For data scientists earning around $100,000 annually, Enid stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 58.1 and $69,575 left after taxes and rent. 4 cities in Oklahoma sit below the national average cost of living, giving data scientists more purchasing power per dollar earned. Oklahoma City is the priciest metro at 78.1 on the index, 20 points above Enid.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enid | 58.1 | $1,027 |
| 2 | Lawton | 62.6 | $1,001 |
| 3 | Tulsa | 69.4 | $1,217 |
| 4 | Oklahoma City | 78.1 | $1,244 |
Net income = $100,000 salary − federal & Oklahoma state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $100,000 salary for data scientists who analyze data and build predictive models, after applying 2026 federal and Oklahoma state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Oklahoma for data scientists?
Enid is the most affordable city in Oklahoma for data scientists, with a cost-of-living index of 58.1 (national average = 100). On a $100,000 salary, you'd have approximately $69,575 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do data scientists earn in Oklahoma?
Data Scientists in Oklahoma earn around $100,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $13,464 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Oklahoma cities?
Across 4 metro areas in Oklahoma, the average cost-of-living index is 67 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Enid at 58.1, while Oklahoma City is the most expensive at 78.1—a difference of 20 index points.
Other Rankings in Oklahoma
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