Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Tulsa is 23% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $57,955 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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