Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma continue earning national recognition for economic strength, affordability and quality of life, with recent rankings highlighting the region's growing competitiveness.
Oklahoma City's continued growth is the result of visionary leadership and strategic mindset. For decades, our community has made intentional investments designed to strengthen our economy, improve quality-of-life and position our region for long-term success.
Oklahoma City has been ranked the No. 2 best large city to live in in the United States by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-2027 rankings.
Oklahoma City continues to stand out for affordability, ranking as the lowest-cost large city in the nation according to the newly released 2026 Q1 Cost of Living Index from C2ER, The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Paycom Center has been named a finalist for Arena of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, a recognition that reinforces Oklahoma City’s growing position as a top-tier destination for major touring acts and live entertainment.
Oklahoma City is earning national recognition for its growing event scene, with two local markets nominated for Best Night Market in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Oklahoma City ranked as the most affordable metro area among large U.S. cities in the 2025 annual Cost of Living Index[CR1.1] published by C2ER, the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Oklahoma City’s food scene continues to gain national attention, with recent recognition from travel platforms, industry awards and consumer rankings pointing to broader momentum across the metro’s dining landscape.
