Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tulsa is 17% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $61,893 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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