Cost of Living in Tahlequah, OK
Population 16,513 · Oklahoma · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Tahlequah a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $183,000. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 45 miles east of Broken Arrow, Tahlequah falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Broken Arrow's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Tahlequah
The median home value in Tahlequah is $182,800 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $794/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,515/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Oklahoma's top state income tax rate is 4.8% and the combined sales tax is 9.0%. The climate averages highs of 71.9°F and lows of 49.8°F. Overall, Tahlequah has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 54 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 87 | 92 | 92 | 85 | 74 | 62 | 52 |
| Low °F | 28 | 32 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 62 | 50 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 2.33 | 2.17 | 3.36 | 4.11 | 5.49 | 4.42 | 3.60 | 3.09 | 4.33 | 4.12 | 3.35 | 2.86 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tahlequah, OK?
Tahlequah has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Tahlequah, OK?
The median gross rent in Tahlequah is $794 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Tahlequah?
The median home value in Tahlequah is $182,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Tahlequah?
The median household income in Tahlequah is $48,515 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Tahlequah, OK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tahlequah is 9.0%. The Oklahoma state income tax top rate is 4.8%.
Is Tahlequah, OK affordable?
Yes, Tahlequah is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Tahlequah?
Tahlequah has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 49.8°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Tahlequah at a Glance
- Population
- 16,513
- Median Income
- $48,515
- Home Value
- $182,800
- Median Rent
- $794/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oklahoma Rankings
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