Living Comfortably in Moore: Income Targets for 2025

Young couple sitting on front steps of home in Moore, OK at sunset, looking content and peaceful
For many, living comfortably in Moore means finding an affordable home in a welcoming community and enjoying the simple pleasures of suburban life.

Let’s Set the Stage

For many residents of Moore, OK, living comfortably means finding a balance between affordable housing, convenient amenities, and financial stability. But how much does it actually cost to live comfortably in Moore in 2025? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your household size, lifestyle expectations, and which neighborhood you choose to call home.

As a general rule of thumb, experts recommend keeping your housing costs to around 30% of your gross monthly income. In Moore, where the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $850, that translates to a monthly income of at least $2,833 for a single renter. Of course, this is just a starting point – your actual comfort level will depend on how you prioritize other expenses like food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential costs of living in Moore and explore what it takes to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for different household types. Whether you’re a young professional, a couple without kids, or a growing family, you’ll find practical insights and regional context to help you plan your budget and make informed decisions about where to live and work in Moore.

Essential Monthly Costs

Before we dive into lifestyle-specific budgets, let’s take a look at the basic expenses that every Moore resident needs to account for. These include:

  • Housing: Rent or mortgage payments, plus utilities like electricity, water, and gas
  • Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, and maintenance, or public transit fares
  • Food: Groceries, dining out, and household supplies
  • Healthcare: Insurance premiums, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket medical expenses
  • Miscellaneous: Clothing, personal care, entertainment, and other variable costs

To give you a sense of what these expenses might look like for a single person living in Moore, here’s a sample monthly budget:

CategoryAmount
Housing (1BR Apartment)$850
Utilities$150
Transportation$300
Food$400
Healthcare$200
Miscellaneous$300
Total$2,200

πŸ† Quick Stat: The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Moore is $850 per month.

Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s take a closer look at what it takes to live comfortably in Moore for different household types. Keep in mind that these are baseline estimates – your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances and lifestyle preferences.

Household TypeComfortable Monthly Income (Pre-Tax)
Single Adult$3,000 – $4,000
Couple without Children$4,500 – $6,000
Family of Four$6,500 – $8,500

For a single adult in Moore, a monthly income of $3,000 to $4,000 should be enough to cover basic expenses and afford some extras like dining out, entertainment, and travel. However, this budget may feel a bit tight if you have significant student loan debt, a long commute, or expensive hobbies.

Couples without children may be able to live comfortably on a combined monthly income of $4,500 to $6,000, which would allow for a larger apartment or even a starter home in some neighborhoods. However, couples looking to save for future goals like buying a house or starting a family may need to aim for the higher end of that range.

For a family of four, a comfortable monthly budget in Moore typically starts at around $6,500 and can easily exceed $8,500, especially if you prefer a larger home or want to send your kids to private school. Childcare costs alone can add up to over $1,000 per month, and growing families often need to budget more for food, clothing, and healthcare expenses.

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

When planning your budget, it’s important to account for expenses that may not be immediately obvious. Some common costs that Moore residents often overlook include:

  • HOA Fees: If you purchase a home in a planned community or condo complex, you may be required to pay monthly homeowners association dues, which can range from $100 to $500 or more.
  • Childcare: For working parents with young children, daycare or preschool tuition can easily cost $1,000 or more per month, even for part-time care.
  • Commuting: If you work outside of Moore, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and vehicle wear-and-tear. Longer commutes can also mean higher car insurance rates.
  • Seasonal Utilities: Moore residents often see their energy bills spike in the summer months due to air conditioning costs. Budget an extra $100 to $200 per month for utilities from June through September.

Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Moore

While the cost of living in Moore may seem daunting, there are plenty of ways to make your budget go further without sacrificing your quality of life. Here are a few tips:

  • Take advantage of monthly budget examples for Moore residents to help you plan and track your spending.
  • Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart Neighborhood Market, and use couponing apps to save on household essentials.
  • Consider installing solar panels or enrolling in OG&E’s SmartHours program to save on electricity costs during peak summer months.
  • Take advantage of free or low-cost entertainment options like public parks, community events, and library programs.
  • If you have school-aged children, look into whether they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and after-school care.

By being proactive and resourceful, you can often find ways to trim your expenses without feeling deprived. For more ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Moore.

Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?

Ultimately, the amount of income you need to live comfortably in Moore will depend on your unique circumstances and priorities. Here are a few scenarios to consider:

If you value space and privacy, a $4,500/month lifestyle may be more realistic for a couple without kids.

Young professionals who are just starting out may find it easier to manage a more compact budget of around $3,000/month.

Growing families will need to budget more for housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, which can easily push their monthly expenses over $7,000.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, the key is to be honest about your needs and wants, and to create a budget that aligns with your values and goals. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as your circumstances change – what works for you today may not be the best fit a few years down the road.

FAQs About Comfort & Cost

What is a comfortable salary in Moore?
For a single person, a salary of $40,000 to $50,000 per year should be enough to live comfortably in Moore. Couples will likely need a combined income of at least $60,000, while families may need $80,000 or more.

Can you live well on $3,000 per month in Moore?

It’s possible for a single person to live comfortably on $3,000 per month in Moore, but it may require some budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Couples and families will likely need a higher income to maintain a similar standard of living.

What costs surprise new residents in Moore?
Many new residents are caught off guard by the high cost of utilities, especially electricity in the summer months. Other unexpected expenses may include HOA fees, vehicle registration costs, and sales tax on everyday purchases.

Final Thoughts

Living comfortably in Moore is within reach for many households, but it does require careful planning and a clear understanding of your priorities. As a general rule, aim to keep your essential expenses (housing, food, transportation, and healthcare) to no more than 50-60% of your gross monthly income. That will leave room for discretionary spending, saving, and investing in your future.

Of course, these are just guidelines – your actual budget will depend on a variety of personal factors, from your career path to your family size to your lifestyle preferences. The key is to be proactive, stay informed, and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you’re living within your means and making progress toward your long-term goals.

For more tips and insights on managing your money in Moore, check out our other resources: