Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Boston is 163% more expensive than Tulsa.

$2,093/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 52%
$94,755/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 38%
$710,400 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 73%
$2,176/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 53%
663,972
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $36,348/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Boston or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tulsa?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tulsa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $36,348/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oklahoma?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Tulsa

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