Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tulsa is 9% more affordable than Pittsburgh. A $75,000 salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to $68,548 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. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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