Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Arlington, TX (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Tulsa is 28% cheaper than Arlington.

$998/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 39%
$58,407/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 26%
$189,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 46%
$1,027/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 38%
412,322
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $15,112/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Arlington — common questions

Is Tulsa or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Arlington?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Arlington?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $15,112/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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