Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Tulsa is 4% more affordable than Detroit. A $75,000 salary in Detroit is equivalent to $71,629 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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