Direct Answer
Tulsa, OK has a CostOfCity index of 84, which is 16% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,052/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,370/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Tulsa: The Full Picture
The cost of living in Tulsa isn't a single number — it's a profile. Housing runs below average. Services reflect a labor market where a workforce with enough supply to keep prices honest — costs here come in below most national averages. And the climate — mild winters save on heating, but cooling costs, hurricane insurance, and storm-proofing eat into those savings quickly — adds its own cost layer. This page gives you the full picture, one category at a time.
Tulsa Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Tulsa cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Tulsa has a budget-conscious community where affordable living draws families from pricier metro areas
The housing market features a buyer-friendly market where your down payment goes further than in most US cities
Mild winters save on heating, but cooling costs, hurricane insurance, and storm-proofing eat into those savings quickly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Sweet tea, Friday night football, and a pragmatic approach to spending that favors value over flash..
Tulsa is a standout value market. With costs sitting 16% below average, it's one of the most budget-friendly metros we track. Quality of life per dollar spent here is hard to beat.
💰 Purchasing Power in Tulsa
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Tulsa, your dollar buys 19% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Tulsa Costs More
🔽 Where Tulsa Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Tulsa
What it actually costs to live in Tulsa each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Tulsa's cost index of 84 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Smart residents of Tulsa know that the metro-wide cost index of 84 masks real diversity. Areas near major employers, university districts, and gentrifying neighborhoods each have their own pricing dynamics. Even the 'expensive' parts of town are reasonable by national standards.
Tulsa vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Tulsa
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-17%HVAC Installation
-19%Plumbing Services
-9%Electrical Work
-36%Kitchen Remodel
-27%Bathroom Remodel
-19%House Painting
-14%Flooring Installation
-11%Landscaping
-35%Fence Installation
-18%Window Replacement
-27%Solar Panel Installation
-39%Water Heater Replacement
-24%Deck Building
-16%Pool Installation
-15%Tree Removal
-14%Garage Door Repair
-12%💼 Business Startup Costs in Tulsa
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-4%Start a Coffee Shop
-26%Start a Food Truck
+8%Start a Gym
-21%Start a Daycare
-14%Start a Hair Salon
-27%Start a Laundromat
-27%Start a Bakery
-2%Start a Bar
-21%Start a Cleaning Business
+13%Start an Airbnb
-19%Start a Trucking Business
-5%📊 Cost of Living in Tulsa
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-16%Rent Prices
-26%Grocery Costs
+4%Utility Costs
-11%Transportation Costs
-20%Childcare Costs
-28%Gym Membership
+5%🛡️ Insurance in Tulsa
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-27%Home Insurance
-4%Health Insurance
-11%Business Insurance
-5%Life Insurance
-22%Renters Insurance
-36%Pet Insurance
-27%Dental Insurance
-32%Motorcycle Insurance
0%⚖️ Legal Services in Tulsa
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-3%Divorce Lawyer
-16%DUI Lawyer
-12%Immigration Lawyer
-18%Estate Planning Lawyer
-25%Workers Comp Lawyer
-18%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+5%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Tulsa
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-9%Registered Nurse Salary
-25%Teacher Salary
-26%Electrician Salary
-28%Plumber Salary
-8%Accountant Salary
-6%Physical Therapist Salary
-32%Police Officer Salary
-13%Dentist Salary
-18%Real Estate Agent Salary
-38%How Much Income Do You Need in Tulsa?
✅ Best For
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- Retirees on fixed incomes
- First-time business owners
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Before moving to Tulsa, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tulsa
How does Tulsa compare to other cities in OK?
Within Oklahoma, Tulsa has a cost index of 84. Nearby options include Oklahoma City and Fayetteville, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Tulsa, OK expensive to live in?
Tulsa's cost of living index is 84, which is 16% below the national average of 100. Tulsa is one of the more affordable US cities.
What is the median household income in Tulsa?
The median household income in Tulsa is approximately $47,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 84), this goes further than in many US cities.
Explore Tulsa in Depth
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Compare Tulsa Costs Nationally
See how Tulsa ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Tulsa cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Tulsa, OK
- → Salary needed to live in Tulsa
- → Monthly budget for a single adult in Tulsa
- → Healthcare cost in Tulsa
- → Grocery cost in Tulsa
- → Utility bills in Tulsa
- → Childcare cost in Tulsa
- → Average wedding cost in Tulsa
- → Retirement cost in Tulsa, OK
- → Can I afford Tulsa on $75K?
- → Can I afford Tulsa on $100K?
- → Living alone in Tulsa: solo budget