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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Tulsa is 51% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$998/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 85%
$58,407/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 45%
$189,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 152%
$1,027/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 74%
412,322
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $26,210/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Tulsa or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $26,210/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Santa Maria details →

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