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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67

Tucson is 13% more expensive than Tulsa.

$1,079/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 8%
$54,546/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$58,407/yr ↑ 7%
$242,200 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$189,600 ↓ 22%
$1,076/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,027/mo ↓ 5%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Tulsa, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $3,861/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $189,600 in Tulsa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Tulsa — common questions

Is Tucson or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Tulsa?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Tulsa it's $998/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Tulsa?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $58,407 in Tulsa. Median household income is $3,861/year higher in Tulsa.
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 Tucson or Tulsa?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Tulsa details →

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