Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Tulsa is 20% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia 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: Pennsylvania salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Philadelphia scores 104 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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