Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Mesa is 60% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,478/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$78,779/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 26%
$364,300 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 48%
$1,404/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 27%
507,478
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $20,372/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Mesa or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Tulsa?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Tulsa?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $20,372/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oklahoma?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Tulsa details →

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