Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Chicago is 49% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,380/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 28%
$75,134/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 22%
$315,200 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 40%
$1,502/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 32%
2,707,648
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $16,727/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Chicago or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tulsa?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Tulsa?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $16,727/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oklahoma?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Tulsa

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