Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Tulsa is 4% cheaper than Des Moines.

$998/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 6%
$58,407/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 10%
$189,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 3%
$1,027/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 11%
412,322
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $5,559/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Tulsa or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Des Moines?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Des Moines?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $5,559/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Iowa?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Des Moines

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco