Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tulsa is 8% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$998/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ≈ Same
$58,407/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 17%
$189,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 25%
$1,027/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 1%
412,322
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tulsa or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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