Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Salem, OR (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Tulsa is 36% cheaper than Salem.

$998/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
$58,407/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 23%
$189,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 102%
$1,027/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 40%
412,322
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $13,493/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Salem — common questions

Is Tulsa or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Salem?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Salem?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $13,493/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Oregon?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Salem details →

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