Oklahoma City ranks No. 2 among nation’s best big cities to live in

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.

The rankings placed Oklahoma City ahead of several major metros, including Fort Worth, Raleigh and Austin, and evaluated cities based on factors such as affordability, quality of life, commute times, job market strength and desirability.

According to U.S. News & World Report, affordability continues to play a growing role in where Americans choose to live as housing costs and cost-of-living pressures rise in many parts of the country.

Oklahoma City’s ranking reflects the city’s continued growth while maintaining a relatively low cost of living and manageable commute times compared to many peer markets. The city has also continued to attract investment, new residents and major events in recent years, contributing to its growing national profile.

The recognition adds to a series of recent national accolades highlighting Oklahoma City’s momentum and quality of life as the city continues to grow its economy, expand entertainment and recreation offerings and invest in long-term community development.

View the full rankings from U.S. News & World Report here.