Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Indianapolis is 10% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,112/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 10%
$62,995/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 7%
$207,000 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 8%
$1,124/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 9%
882,043
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $4,588/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Tulsa?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Tulsa?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $4,588/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Oklahoma?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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