Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Tulsa is 26% cheaper than Elgin.

$998/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 26%
$58,407/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 51%
$189,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 33%
$1,027/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 46%
412,322
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $29,909/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Elgin — common questions

Is Tulsa or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Elgin?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Elgin?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $29,909/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Illinois?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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