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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Tulsa is 48% cheaper than Palmdale.

$998/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 74%
$58,407/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 39%
$189,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 130%
$1,027/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 78%
412,322
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $22,744/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Tulsa or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Palmdale?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Palmdale?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $22,744/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

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