Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Tulsa is 31% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $51,829 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $405,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Scottsdale scores 103 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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