Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Tulsa, OK (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Seattle is 193% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,998/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 50%
$121,984/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↓ 52%
$912,100 ↑ 381%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 79%
$2,220/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 54%
741,440
Population
412,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,000/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $12,000/year.

Median household income is $63,577/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Seattle or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Tulsa?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $1,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Tulsa?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $63,577/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Oklahoma?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Tulsa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Tulsa

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