Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Philadelphia is 27% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$60,698/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 4%
$232,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 18%
$1,233/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 17%
1,582,432
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $2,291/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Tulsa?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Tulsa?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $2,291/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Oklahoma?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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