Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Tulsa is 20% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $60,142 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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