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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Tulsa is 47% cheaper than Surprise.

$998/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 92%
$58,407/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 60%
$189,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 109%
$1,027/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 55%
412,322
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $34,964/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Surprise — common questions

Is Tulsa or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Surprise?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Surprise?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $34,964/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tulsa and Surprise

Tulsa vs. Minneapolis Tulsa vs. Bakersfield Tulsa vs. Oakland Tulsa vs. Wichita Tulsa vs. Miami Tulsa vs. Arlington Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite