Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Tulsa is 17% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$998/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 16%
$58,407/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 4%
$189,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 37%
$1,027/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 8%
412,322
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $2,621/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Tulsa or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $2,621/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Tennessee?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Chattanooga details →

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