Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Tulsa is 12% more expensive than Springfield.

$998/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 8%
$58,407/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 21%
$189,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 13%
$1,027/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 12%
412,322
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $12,423/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Springfield — common questions

Is Tulsa or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Springfield?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Springfield?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,423/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Missouri?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Springfield details →

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