Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Tulsa is 17% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh 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: North Carolina salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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