Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Tulsa is 15% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte 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: North Carolina salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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