Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Denver is 119% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,770/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 44%
$91,681/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 36%
$586,700 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 68%
$1,839/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 44%
713,734
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $33,274/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Denver or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Tulsa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $772/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Tulsa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $33,274/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oklahoma?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

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