A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Tulsa Oklahoma National
Cost of living9086100
Goods & Services9591100
Groceries9494100
Health care8793100
Housing8169100
Transportation8993100
Utilities9598100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Tulsa, OK

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Tulsa? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Tulsa stands at 90, making it 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Tulsa?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 18 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Tulsa. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 50% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 50% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Tulsa Affordable?

Wondering if Tulsa is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Tulsa, for example, the median home price is 22.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.6% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Tulsa boasting a median household income of $49,474, which is 10.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Tulsa?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Tulsa, the groceries index is 5.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Tulsa, the housing index is 19.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Tulsa, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 0.25%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Tulsa, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Tulsa is 4% higher than the Oklahoma average
  • The cost of living in Tulsa is 10% lower than the national average
  • Tulsa housing is 19% lower than the national average
  • Oklahoma general sales tax is 12% lower than the national average
  • Oklahoma state income tax is 90% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Tulsa

See all the best places to live around Tulsa

Compare Tulsa, OK Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$72,037$6,003$1,681$2,161
      Renters$35,039$2,920$818$1,051
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Tulsa, OK, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Tulsa, the median monthly income is $72,037 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,681 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $35,039, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $818 on monthly rental expenses.

      Oklahoma Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Oklahoma 4.5% 11%

      Oklahoma Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Oklahoma 0.25% 4.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.72$24.2614.6%
      Beauty Salon $34.47$45.5624.4%
      Toothpaste $3.65$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.14$1.2811.1%
      Movie $10.90$12.1310.2%
      Bowling $15.28$18.0015.1%

      Groceries

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.87$5.840.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.5%
      Potatoes $4.76$4.933.5%
      Pizza $12.07$12.090.1%
      Beer $10.02$10.413.7%

      Health Care

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $108.05$125.6814.0%
      Doctor $103.03$135.7824.1%
      Dentist $97.69$113.2913.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.27$10.653.6%
      Lipitor $493.24$468.605.3%

      Housing

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      Home Price $143,400.00$184,700.0022.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,770.41$2,346.6924.6%
      Apartment Rent $839.00$949.0011.6%

      Transportation

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.4%
      Tire Balancing $48.16$59.9219.6%

      Utilities

      Item Tulsa National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $176.35$193.999.1%
      Phone $194.96$192.251.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lotsee, OK5946.4%
      Turley, OK2,8177821.6%
      Kellyville, OK1,1798118.9%
      Sperry, OK1,1458218.4%
      Oakhurst, OK2,4358415.5%
      Tulsa, OK402,4419010.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arlington, TX397,2691054.7%
      Tampa, FL395,9121077.5%
      New Orleans, LA391,2491066.0%
      Wichita, KS390,566927.9%
      London, ON421,456n/a 
      Tulsa, OK402,4419010.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.