Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Tulsa is 21% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $59,028 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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