Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Fresno is 51% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,324/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$66,804/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 13%
$348,500 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 46%
$1,391/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 26%
543,615
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $8,397/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Fresno or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Tulsa?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Tulsa?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $8,397/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Tulsa details →

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