Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tulsa is 17% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $62,500 in Tulsa.
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. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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