Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Tulsa is 48% cheaper than Charleston.

$998/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 64%
$58,407/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 54%
$189,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 147%
$1,027/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 64%
412,322
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $31,631/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Charleston — common questions

Is Tulsa or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Charleston?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Charleston?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $31,631/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and South Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Charleston details →

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