Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Tulsa is 18% cheaper than Lexington.

$998/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↑ 10%
$58,407/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 16%
$189,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 44%
$1,027/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↑ 13%
412,322
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $9,224/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Lexington — common questions

Is Tulsa or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Lexington?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Lexington?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $9,224/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Kentucky?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Lexington details →

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