Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Tulsa is 8% more expensive than Birmingham.

$998/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 5%
$58,407/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 24%
$189,600 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 27%
$1,027/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 4%
412,322
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,031/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Tulsa or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Birmingham?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Birmingham?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $14,031/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Birmingham

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery