Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Tulsa is 10% more expensive than Buffalo.

$998/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$989/mo ≈ Same
$58,407/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 18%
$189,600 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 20%
$1,027/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 10%
412,322
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,357/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Tulsa or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Buffalo?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Buffalo?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $10,357/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and New York?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with rent of $989/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Buffalo details →

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