A record 25 million visitors traveled to the city last year, driving $2.9 billion in spending, supporting more than 36,000 jobs and generating $396 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a new economic impact report commissioned by Visit Oklahoma City.
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 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.
Oklahoma City has once again received the highest possible bond ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, marking the 18th consecutive year the city has maintained the top-tier distinction.
Business leaders, economists and policy experts gathered at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s May Forum to discuss State Question 832 and the potential impacts of raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage.
Oklahoma City’s continued growth has been shaped by thoughtful decisions, steady investment and a commitment to building a competitive and resilient economy. As our region evolves, so do conversations around how we support workers, businesses and long-term economic opportunity.
Oklahoma voters will consider State Question 832 at a statewide election on June 16, 2026, reopening a broader conversation about wages, affordability and long-term economic growth.
Everyday expenses like groceries are one of the clearest ways people feel the cost of living — and in Oklahoma, those costs remain among the lowest in the country. New data from Visual Capitalist shows grocery prices in Oklahoma are about 4.6% below the national average, ranking the state third-lowest nationwide.
