Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tulsa is 9% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson 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: Arizona salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tucson has a housing index of 83 while Tulsa sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Tucson costs $265,000 compared to $175,000 in Tulsa, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Tucson versus $950 in Tulsa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tucson scores 98 while Tulsa scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tucson (93) are higher than Tulsa (91).
Median household income in Tucson is $43,425 compared to $48,278 in Tulsa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tulsa.
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