Cost of Living in Tulsa, OK
Tulsa is about 20% cheaper than the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Tulsa at a Glance
On the median income of $60,930, state income tax is roughly $2,894/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Tulsa has been making the loudest case of any American city for relocation value. The Tulsa Remote program pays qualified remote workers $10,000 to move here. The Gathering Place, a $465 million park funded by the Kaiser Family Foundation, is genuinely world-class. The cost of living is about 13.5% below the national average. The Art Deco architecture from the oil boom era gives the downtown distinctive character. All of this with housing prices that make homeownership a realistic goal on a single modest salary.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Tulsa
Tulsa Remote ($10,000 relocation incentive) has brought national attention. The Gathering Place park rivals Central Park for design quality. The Philbrook Museum and Gilcrease Museum are outstanding. The Brady Arts District and Cherry Street have been revitalized with restaurants and shops. The River Parks trail system runs 26 miles. The cost of entry is among the lowest of any metro with these amenities.
Neighborhoods
Cherry Street is the walkable restaurant and shop strip. Brookside is a charming residential neighborhood. The Brady Arts District has been revitalized downtown. Maple Ridge has historic character. Midtown is central and growing. For affordable options, West Tulsa and North Tulsa offer the lowest prices.
Things to Consider
Tornado risk is real (Tulsa sits in tornado alley). The economy has oil and gas dependence despite diversification efforts. Some neighborhoods have significant poverty. Cultural diversity is improving but limited. The summer heat exceeds 100°F regularly. The 8.5%+ combined sales tax is high.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tulsa
A program that pays qualified remote workers $10,000 to relocate to Tulsa ($2,500 upfront, $500/month for 12 months, $1,500 at the end). It also provides coworking space and community programming. The program has attracted thousands of applicants and successfully brought remote workers from all 50 states.
Yes. The $465 million park designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh opened in 2018 and has been called one of the best public parks in America. It includes adventure playgrounds, a boathouse, gardens, sports courts, and trails. For a city of Tulsa's size and cost, it is an extraordinary public investment.
Yes. Oklahoma is one of the most tornado-prone states. Tulsa has experienced significant tornadoes. Tornado shelters (in-home or community) are common. Weather awareness and preparation are part of life from March through June. The risk is real but manageable with preparedness.