Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Tulsa is 59% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$998/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 91%
$58,407/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 84%
$189,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 274%
$1,027/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 78%
412,322
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $912/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $10,944/year.

Median household income is $48,965/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Tulsa or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $912/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $48,965/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Arizona?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Scottsdale

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk