Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Tulsa is 9% cheaper than Knoxville.

$998/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 12%
$58,407/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 13%
$189,600 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 13%
$1,027/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 5%
412,322
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $7,413/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Tulsa or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Knoxville?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Knoxville?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $7,413/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Tennessee?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Knoxville details →

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