Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Baltimore is 25% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,290/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 23%
$59,623/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 2%
$219,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 14%
$1,333/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 23%
577,193
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $1,216/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Baltimore or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Tulsa?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Tulsa?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $1,216/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Oklahoma?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
View Baltimore details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Tulsa

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington