Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Madison, WI (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Tulsa is 35% cheaper than Madison.

$998/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 37%
$58,407/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 32%
$189,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 83%
$1,027/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 44%
412,322
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $18,576/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Madison — common questions

Is Tulsa or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Madison?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Madison?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $18,576/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Wisconsin?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Madison details →

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