Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Tulsa is 15% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $63,750 in Tulsa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Paul scores 103 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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