Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Charlotte is 61% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,504/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 34%
$78,438/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 26%
$351,500 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 46%
$1,487/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 31%
886,283
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $20,031/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Charlotte or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Tulsa?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Tulsa?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $20,031/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

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