Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Tulsa is 7% more affordable than Cincinnati. A $75,000 salary in Cincinnati is equivalent to $70,055 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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