Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Tulsa and Wichita have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 4%
$58,407/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↑ 8%
$189,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 5%
$1,027/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 3%
412,322
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,665/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Wichita — common questions

Is Tulsa or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Wichita?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Wichita?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $4,665/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Kansas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Wichita has a cost index of 65 with rent of $960/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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