Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Tulsa is 26% cheaper than New Orleans.

$998/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 21%
$58,407/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 5%
$189,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 56%
$1,027/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 24%
412,322
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $3,068/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Tulsa or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and New Orleans?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or New Orleans?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $3,068/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Louisiana?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

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