Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Modesto

California
120

Tulsa is 44% cheaper than Modesto.

$998/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 61%
$58,407/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 33%
$189,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 119%
$1,027/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 57%
412,322
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $19,492/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Modesto — common questions

Is Tulsa or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Modesto?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Modesto?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $19,492/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Modesto details →

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