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

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Tulsa is 44% cheaper than Tempe.

$998/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 63%
$58,407/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 33%
$189,600 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 123%
$1,027/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 51%
412,322
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $19,236/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Tempe — common questions

Is Tulsa or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Tempe?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Tempe?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $19,236/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Tempe details →

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