Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Albuquerque is 13% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,085/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 8%
$65,604/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 11%
$266,700 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 29%
$1,149/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 11%
562,488
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $7,197/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Tulsa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Tulsa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $7,197/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Oklahoma?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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