Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Tulsa is 15% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $63,750 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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