When comparing the living experience between Oklahoma City, OK, and Fresno, CA, numerous factors come into play. Both cities have their unique characteristics, with their own pros and cons. While Oklahoma City boasts lower cost of living, lesser taxes, and a warmer climate, Fresno is known for its diverse culture, robust agricultural economy, and better public transit. In this comparison, we'll touch on crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, economy, and more to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Fresno, CA : 1,242.4 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 26%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Fresno has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) during that time.
Unfortunately, as with many other large cities, both Oklahoma City and Fresno grapple with crime, although Oklahoma City tends to have a slightly higher crime rate than Fresno. The overall crime rate in Oklahoma City is 78% greater than the national average while Fresno's overall crime rate is about 47% higher than the national average. In terms of personal safety, it is always recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,379 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 1,525 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 463 to 1; the ratio in Fresno is 342 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Oklahoma City than in Fresno.
Cost of Living
Oklahoma City has a lower cost of living compared to Fresno. Housing is particularly affordable in Oklahoma City with median home costs nearly half the cost of those in Fresno. Other costs, such as food and healthcare, are also generally cheaper in Oklahoma City than in Fresno.
Income Tax
Oklahoma has an income tax rate that ranges from 0.5% to 5%, while California's income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%, among the highest in the nation.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in Oklahoma City than in Fresno. The median annual property tax in Oklahoma County is $1,200, lower than Fresno County's median of $2,100.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is significantly higher in Fresno, with a combined rate of 7.975%, compared to Oklahoma City's rate of 4.125%.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$61,250
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$28,499
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
96.3
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $56,382 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City is located in the Great Plains region, meaning it's generally flat with a number of small lakes and rivers. Fresno is located in California's Central Valley, surrounded by farmland, and is in close proximity to Yosemite National Park.
Both Oklahoma City and Fresno have numerous public and private schools as well as colleges and universities. However, the Fresno area, including nearby Clovis, is known for its strong public school system. Oklahoma City lags behind somewhat in terms of education quality, but is home to several highly rated colleges and universities.
Oklahoma City's economy is diverse with sectors like petroleum, natural gas, and oil driving the economy. However, Fresno's economy is largely based on agriculture, specifically the production of crops like grapes, almonds, and peaches. Fresno also has a booming food processing industry.
Biggest Employers
Some of the largest employers in Oklahoma City are the State of Oklahoma, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and INTEGRIS Health. In Fresno, some of the largest employers are Community Medical Centers, Saint Agnes Medical Center, and the City of Fresno.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
2020
48.1%
53.0%
49.2%
45.2%
2.7%
1.8%
2016
41.2%
49.2%
51.7%
43.2%
7.1%
7.5%
2012
41.7%
49.8%
58.3%
48.0%
0.0%
2.2%
2008
41.6%
50.2%
58.4%
48.1%
0.0%
1.8%
2004
35.8%
42.0%
64.2%
57.8%
0.0%
0.3%
2000
36.6%
43.2%
62.3%
53.3%
1.1%
3.5%
1996
36.5%
45.3%
54.7%
47.4%
8.8%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
1.6%
20.0%
8.1%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
31.0%
3.0%
6.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
1.3%
0.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
2.9%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
1.0%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.5%
2.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.6%
0.1%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.5%
0.9%
2.0%
Weather
Oklahoma City has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, and mild winters. Severe weather, including tornadoes, can occur especially in the spring. On the other hand, Fresno has a Mediterranean like climate, with mild, moist winters and very long, hot, dry summers. Fresno gets less rainfall than Oklahoma City throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
63°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
60.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
67%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
11.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
32.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
82.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
96%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
44%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Fresno, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Oklahoma City
Fresno
2018
85
128
0.29
0.35
6.6
9.7
31.9
31.7
0.002
N/A
21.3
39.7
9.6
14.8
0.0
0.6
2017
82
132
0.32
0.35
6.7
9.2
33.0
33.2
0.002
N/A
20.7
38.3
8.9
14.3
0.0
0.6
2016
72
128
0.29
0.35
6.6
8.4
31.9
31.4
0.002
N/A
19.4
34.7
8.5
13.5
0.2
0.5
2015
76
134
0.24
0.32
7.0
8.7
31.5
31.1
0.002
N/A
19.1
34.2
7.8
13.9
0.5
0.5
2014
84
139
0.15
0.33
7.1
10.1
32.4
32.4
0.002
0.004
N/A
39.3
8.7
16.4
0.1
0.5
2013
84
136
0.14
0.37
8.6
11.1
32.8
31.0
0.002
0.005
N/A
43.3
9.3
19.1
0.2
0.6
2012
97
140
0.13
0.36
9.4
9.7
34.0
31.9
0.007
0.004
N/A
36.1
7.9
14.2
0.3
0.6
2011
107
139
0.24
0.34
9.9
8.7
36.3
33.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
30.2
9.9
21.1
0.8
0.8
2010
81
121
0.30
0.27
8.8
6.9
31.7
31.1
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
0.7
2009
82
107
0.52
0.31
8.1
7.3
31.9
29.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.7
1.6
2008
78
130
0.51
0.33
9.8
9.3
31.0
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.2
1.4
1.0
2007
81
146
0.44
0.34
10.2
10.0
29.4
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.0
2.0
0.7
2006
95
104
0.43
0.36
10.1
11.3
33.7
29.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2005
88
101
0.38
0.33
11.6
10.7
31.0
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
N/A
2004
75
103
0.46
0.34
10.5
11.5
28.6
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
N/A
2003
87
115
0.42
0.44
10.9
15.0
30.8
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2002
91
139
0.35
0.43
14.3
15.2
29.0
44.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2001
87
143
0.69
0.42
13.1
15.1
31.0
47.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2000
89
136
0.66
0.51
13.4
15.4
29.5
41.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
9.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
8,613%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
12%
Transportation
Fresno has a more developed public transit system than Oklahoma City. The city's public transportation system, known as FAX, reaches throughout the city and into the surrounding suburbs. Oklahoma City has buses and a downtown streetcar system, but most residents rely on cars to get around.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
0
408
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
36
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Bicycle
0.2%
0.8%
Bus
0.3%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.6%
10.7%
Car alone
87.6%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Average
25.6 min
23.7 min
Other means
21 min
21.5 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
88.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Oklahoma City has a more affordable real estate market than Fresno with a median home price that is almost half. Rent prices are also significantly cheaper in Oklahoma City.
Neighborhoods
Fresno offers a diverse range of neighborhoods ranging from the trendy Tower District to the more residential Fig Garden. Oklahoma City boasts historic neighborhoods like Mesta Park and Crown Heights, as well as urban places like Bricktown.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Houses
302,241
188,756
Average household size (people)
2.5
3.1
Median year apartment built
1978
1977
Median year house/condo built
1986
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
181,841 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
91,233 (50.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
90,608 (49.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$958.34
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,209
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$285,919
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$321,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$375,492
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$184,112
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$196,355
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$287,684
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$100,122
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$260,277
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$358,028
Median house age
40
42
Renting percentage
40.3%
50.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
1,808.6
House value disparities
34.7%
29.4%
Household income disparities
44.3%
46.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$97,354
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$73,445
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
1,037 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
2,880 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
59,354 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
68 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
4,120 (6.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Fresno
One, detached
67.8%
59.0%
One, attached
3.4%
3.2%
Two
2.0%
3.0%
3 or 4
5.1%
7.8%
5 to 9
6.0%
9.6%
10 to 19
5.6%
3.6%
20 to 49
2.4%
3.4%
50 or more
4.6%
7.5%
Mobile homes
3.1%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
14,428
State government workers
17,132
9,836
Unpaid family workers
555
890
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Oklahoma City are oil, natural gas, and petroleum, but it also has a growing technology and health services sector. Conversely, Fresno is known for its robust agricultural industry and a burgeoning healthcare sector due to its aging population.
Both cities have access to quality health care. Oklahoma City is home to several major hospitals and medical centers, including Mercy Hospital and INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. Fresno houses Community Medical Centers, which includes several nationally recognized centers of excellence.
While both cities have well-developed infrastructure, Fresno tends to have a more modern infrastructure compared to Oklahoma City's more dated structures. Being in California, Fresno tends to benefit from the state's relatively stronger infrastructure compared to Oklahoma.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Fresno
Hospitals
61
32
TV stations
20
4
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
183
98
Bank institutions located here
44
25
Main business address for public companies
15
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Fresno
1999
2,925
717
2000
2,396
484
2001
1,824
462
2002
1,507
569
2003
2,014
1,510
2004
2,323
2,462
2005
3,134
3,394
2006
3,132
3,441
2007
2,036
2,138
2008
1,143
760
2009
593
354
Culture and Food
Fresno is known for its diverse culture and food scene, with a mix of Hispanic, Asian, and American cuisine. The city is also home to several cultural festivals throughout the year. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, has a strong western culture and traditional American and BBQ food.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the NBA's Thunder and boasts a passionate sports culture. Fresno doesn't have any major league sports teams but has minor league baseball and soccer teams.
Oklahoma City, OK
Fresno, CA
