Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Tulsa is 21% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $59,579 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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