Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Tulsa is 33% cheaper than Aurora.

$998/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 54%
$58,407/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 54%
$189,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 37%
$1,027/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 55%
412,322
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $31,702/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Aurora — common questions

Is Tulsa or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Aurora?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Aurora?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $31,702/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Illinois?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Aurora details →

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