Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Cary, NC (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Tulsa is 50% cheaper than Cary.

$998/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 62%
$58,407/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 122%
$189,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 177%
$1,027/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 70%
412,322
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $70,992/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Cary — common questions

Is Tulsa or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Cary?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Cary?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $70,992/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Cary details →

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