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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Downey

California
169

Tulsa is 60% cheaper than Downey.

$998/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 90%
$58,407/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 50%
$189,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 284%
$1,027/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 94%
412,322
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $28,993/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Downey — common questions

Is Tulsa or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Downey?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Downey?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $28,993/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Downey details →

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