Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Memphis and Tulsa have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 11%
$51,211/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↑ 14%
$157,100 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$189,600 ↑ 21%
$1,087/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 6%
629,063
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $7,196/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Memphis or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Tulsa?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Tulsa?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $7,196/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Oklahoma?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Tulsa details →

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