Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Athens, GA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Tulsa is 19% cheaper than Athens.

$998/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 16%
$58,407/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 12%
$189,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 43%
$1,027/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 13%
412,322
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $6,752/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Athens — common questions

Is Tulsa or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Athens?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Athens?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $6,752/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Georgia?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Athens details →

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