Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Durham, NC (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Tulsa is 36% cheaper than Durham.

$998/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 41%
$58,407/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 36%
$189,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 87%
$1,027/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 40%
412,322
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $20,827/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Durham — common questions

Is Tulsa or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Durham?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Durham?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $20,827/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Durham details →

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