Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Tulsa and Cincinnati have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 5%
$58,407/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 11%
$189,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$215,300 ↑ 14%
$1,027/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↑ 1%
412,322
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,700/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Tulsa or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $6,700/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Ohio?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Cincinnati details →

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