Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Waco, TX (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Tulsa is 5% cheaper than Waco.

$998/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 10%
$58,407/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 12%
$189,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 5%
$1,027/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 7%
412,322
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $6,939/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Waco — common questions

Is Tulsa or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Waco?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Waco?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $6,939/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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