Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Kansas City is 19% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,186/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 16%
$67,449/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 13%
$227,000 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 16%
$1,205/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 15%
508,233
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $9,042/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Kansas City or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Tulsa?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Tulsa?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $9,042/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Oklahoma?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

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