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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Phoenix is 63% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,458/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$77,041/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 24%
$381,900 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 50%
$1,430/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 28%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $18,634/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Phoenix or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Tulsa?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Tulsa?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $18,634/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

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