Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Tulsa is 6% more affordable than St. Louis. A $75,000 salary in St. Louis is equivalent to $70,833 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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