Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Tulsa is 28% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $54,025 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $345,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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