Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tulsa is 9% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $68,548 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. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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