Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Houston is 31% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,313/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 24%
$62,894/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 7%
$253,400 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 25%
$1,316/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 22%
2,300,419
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $4,487/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Houston or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Tulsa?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Tulsa?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $4,487/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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