Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,224/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 18%
$65,327/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 11%
$234,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 19%
$1,243/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 17%
906,480
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $6,920/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Columbus or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Tulsa?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Tulsa?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $6,920/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oklahoma?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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More Comparisons

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