Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Tulsa is 33% cheaper than Wilmington.

$998/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 31%
$58,407/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 9%
$189,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 85%
$1,027/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 33%
412,322
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $5,493/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Tulsa or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Wilmington?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Wilmington?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $5,493/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Wilmington details →

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