Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Tulsa is 16% cheaper than Columbia.

$998/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 7%
$58,407/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 10%
$189,600 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 42%
$1,027/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 8%
412,322
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $6,081/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Columbia — common questions

Is Tulsa or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Columbia?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Columbia?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $6,081/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Missouri?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Columbia

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka