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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Irvine

California
256

Tulsa is 74% cheaper than Irvine.

$998/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 190%
$58,407/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 122%
$189,600 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 488%
$1,027/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 183%
412,322
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,895/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $22,740/year.

Median household income is $71,240/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Irvine — common questions

Is Tulsa or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Irvine?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,895/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Irvine?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $71,240/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Irvine details →

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