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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Tulsa is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$998/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 122%
$58,407/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 78%
$189,600 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 451%
$1,027/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 128%
412,322
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,220/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $14,640/year.

Median household income is $45,371/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tulsa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Pasadena?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,220/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Pasadena?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $45,371/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Pasadena details →

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