Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Raleigh is 64% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,468/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$82,424/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 29%
$377,800 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 50%
$1,487/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 31%
470,763
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $24,017/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Tulsa?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Tulsa?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $24,017/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

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