Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Tulsa is 43% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$998/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 35%
$58,407/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 28%
$189,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 161%
$1,027/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 36%
412,322
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $16,518/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Tulsa or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $16,518/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Utah?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Salt Lake City details →

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