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

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma City
67

Oklahoma City is 10% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,083/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 8%
$66,702/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 12%
$215,100 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 12%
$1,133/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 9%
688,693
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $8,295/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Oklahoma City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Oklahoma 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $8,295/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Oklahoma?
Both cities are in Oklahoma and share the same state tax rates: 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Tulsa details →

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