Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Tulsa and Mobile have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↑ 3%
$58,407/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 13%
$189,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 10%
$1,027/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 1%
412,322
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,317/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Mobile — common questions

Is Tulsa or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Mobile?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Mobile?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $7,317/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Mobile details →

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