Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Tulsa is 8% more affordable than Indianapolis. A $75,000 salary in Indianapolis is equivalent to $69,293 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Indiana salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Indianapolis scores 98 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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