Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Tulsa is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$998/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 140%
$58,407/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 88%
$189,600 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 456%
$1,027/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 140%
412,322
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,397/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $16,764/year.

Median household income is $51,666/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Tulsa or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,397/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $51,666/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Costa Mesa details →

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