Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Tulsa is 37% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$998/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 37%
$58,407/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 33%
$189,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 83%
$1,027/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 50%
412,322
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $18,990/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Tulsa or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $18,990/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Bakersfield details →