Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Memphis and Tulsa have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Memphis scores 93 while Tulsa scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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