Cost of Living in Tulsa, OK
Population 412,322 · Oklahoma · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Tulsa cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $190,000, rents near $998 a month. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Tulsa
The median home value in Tulsa is $189,600 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $998/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,407/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 50.6°F, with about 8.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Tulsa has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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 | 49 | 54 | 63 | 72 | 80 | 88 | 94 | 93 | 85 | 74 | 61 | 51 |
| Low °F | 28 | 32 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 69 | 73 | 72 | 63 | 51 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 1.63 | 1.62 | 3.10 | 4.37 | 5.73 | 4.65 | 3.76 | 3.38 | 3.85 | 3.78 | 2.66 | 2.43 |
| Snow" | 1.9 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tulsa, OK?
Tulsa has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Tulsa, OK?
The median gross rent in Tulsa is $998 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Tulsa?
The median home value in Tulsa is $189,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Tulsa?
The median household income in Tulsa is $58,407 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Tulsa, OK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tulsa is 9.0%. The Oklahoma state income tax top rate is 4.8%.
Is Tulsa, OK affordable?
Yes, Tulsa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Tulsa?
Tulsa has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Average annual snowfall is 8.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Tulsa at a Glance
- Population
- 412,322
- Median Income
- $58,407
- Home Value
- $189,600
- Median Rent
- $998/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oklahoma Rankings
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