Tulsa, OK — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]
COL: 88.5 411,401

Tulsa, OK

Oil capital with Art Deco architecture, a $10K remote worker incentive, and cheap living.

Updated June 29, 2026
Cost of Living 88.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 78.2

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.3%

Job market health

Tulsa vs National Average

Overall COL
Tulsa: 88.5
National: 100
Housing
Tulsa: 78.2
National: 100
State Income Tax
Tulsa: 4.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income: 4.75%
  • Sales Tax: 8.52%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 3.3%
  • Population: 411,401

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 227/year
  • Summer High: 93°F
  • Winter Low: 26°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $195,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Overview

Tulsa is a city in OK with a population of 411,401. Oil capital with Art Deco architecture, a $10K remote worker incentive, and cheap living.

Cost of Living

Tulsa’s cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryTulsaNational AverageDifference
Overall88.5100-11.5%
Housing78.2100-21.8%
Utilities98.5100-1.5%
Groceries96.8100-3.2%
Transportation104.2100+4.2%
Healthcare100.5100+0.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$195,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/month
Median Rent (2BR)$1,187/month
Price per Sq Ft$130
Year-over-Year Change-1.2%

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Tulsa

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/month.

Tulsa Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/month.

East Tulsa

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/month.

West Tulsa

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $902/month.

Remote Work Score

Tulsa scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Low (Good)
  • Climate: 227 sunny days/year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: High (Good)

Climate

Tulsa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January46°F26°F2.5"
April78°F41°F2.8"
July93°F68°F1.5"
October73°F44°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.75%
  • Sales Tax: 8.52%
  • Property Tax: ~0.8% of assessed value

Economy

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

FAQ

Is tulsa-ok a good place to live?

tulsa-ok offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.

What is the cost of living in tulsa-ok?

The cost of living in tulsa-ok varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in tulsa-ok?

Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in tulsa-ok to maintain your current standard of living.

Data Sources

  • Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
  • Housing data: Zillow Research
  • Demographics: US Census Bureau
  • Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Taxes: Tax Foundation

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

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