Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Oakland is 128% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,917/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 48%
$97,369/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 40%
$924,700 ↑ 388%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 79%
$2,164/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 53%
438,072
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $38,962/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Oakland or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Tulsa?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Tulsa?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $38,962/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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