Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Tulsa is 13% cheaper than Lincoln.

$998/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↑ 5%
$58,407/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 20%
$189,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 31%
$1,027/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 11%
412,322
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
6.64%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,584/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Tulsa or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Lincoln?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Lincoln?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $11,584/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Nebraska?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Lincoln details →

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