Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Tulsa is 8% cheaper than Baton Rouge.

$998/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↑ 5%
$58,407/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 14%
$189,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 18%
$1,027/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↑ 2%
412,322
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,463/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Tulsa or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $8,463/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Louisiana?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,044/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Baton Rouge details →

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