Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Tulsa is 10% more expensive than Rochester.

$998/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↑ 4%
$58,407/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 20%
$189,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 36%
$1,027/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 2%
412,322
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,779/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tulsa or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Rochester?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Rochester?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $11,779/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and New York?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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