Cost of Living in McAlester, OK
Population 18,098 · Oklahoma · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in McAlester run well below national norms — a median of $48,044 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $138,000). Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
McAlester lies roughly 75 miles south of the nearest major metro, Broken Arrow — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Broken Arrow's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in McAlester
The median home value in McAlester is $137,500 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $906/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,044/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Oklahoma's top state income tax rate is 4.8% and the combined sales tax is 9.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.3°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, McAlester has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 57 | 65 | 73 | 80 | 88 | 93 | 93 | 86 | 75 | 63 | 54 |
| Low °F | 30 | 34 | 42 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 63 | 52 | 41 | 33 |
| Precip" | 2.23 | 2.39 | 3.41 | 4.63 | 5.30 | 4.46 | 3.37 | 2.96 | 3.66 | 4.17 | 3.01 | 3.02 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in McAlester, OK?
McAlester has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in McAlester, OK?
The median gross rent in McAlester is $906 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in McAlester?
The median home value in McAlester is $137,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in McAlester?
The median household income in McAlester is $48,044 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in McAlester, OK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in McAlester is 9.0%. The Oklahoma state income tax top rate is 4.8%.
Is McAlester, OK affordable?
Yes, McAlester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in McAlester?
McAlester has average high temperatures of 73.3°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
McAlester at a Glance
- Population
- 18,098
- Median Income
- $48,044
- Home Value
- $137,500
- Median Rent
- $906/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oklahoma Rankings
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