Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Tulsa and St. Louis have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 2%
$58,407/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 5%
$189,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 2%
$1,027/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 1%
412,322
Population
293,109

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,128/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Tulsa or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and St. Louis?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or St. Louis?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $3,128/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 St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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