Cost Of Living In Tulsa, OK: 2027 Guide To Housing, Taxes And Expenses
David Roberts
Founder & CEO - ReVerb
11.12.2026
Last updated: November 12, 2026
The cost of living in Tulsa, OK is well below the national average in 2027, driven mainly by housing. Tulsa County’s typical home value is about $251,000 compared with roughly $366,000 nationally, average rent is about $1,300 a month, and a one-bedroom averages around $930. Oklahoma’s top income tax rate is 4.5 percent for 2026, but sales taxes are relatively high once local rates are added, and storm-driven home insurance costs can be significant.
Tulsa regularly shows up on lists of affordable places to live, and the numbers mostly back that up. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most households, and Tulsa’s prices sit far below national levels, even after steady appreciation since 2019.
This guide is part of our Tulsa, OK hub, where we collect our rankings and local guides for the Tulsa metro.
This guide breaks down what it actually costs to live in Tulsa: housing, rent, taxes, utilities, transportation, insurance and everyday expenses, plus how costs differ across suburbs such as Jenks, Bixby, Owasso, Broken Arrow and Glenpool.
How We Researched This Guide
We used Zillow home value and rent data from 2026, Oklahoma Tax Commission and Tax Foundation information on 2026 tax rates, and our own research into local costs. Figures are rounded estimates and change frequently, so verify current numbers for your situation. Read more about how we research and rank.
Tulsa Cost Of Living At A Glance
Expense
Typical Tulsa Cost
Typical home value (Tulsa County)
About $251,000
Average rent, all units
About $1,300 a month
One-bedroom rent
About $930 a month
Two-bedroom rent
About $1,215 a month
Three-bedroom rent
About $1,500 a month
State income tax
Top rate 4.5 percent (2026)
Sales tax
4.5 percent state rate plus local taxes
Housing Costs
Zillow put Tulsa County’s typical home value at about $250,900 in September 2026, up 2.8 percent from a year earlier, compared with about $220,800 for Oklahoma and $366,200 nationally. Recent median sale prices in the county have run in the $270,000 range.
Suburb Prices
Typical values are higher in the most popular suburbs: about $355,000 in Jenks, $334,000 in Bixby, $319,000 in Owasso and $242,000 in Glenpool.
Property Taxes
Oklahoma property taxes are moderate by national standards, and homeowners can claim a homestead exemption on their primary residence.
Home Insurance
Hail and wind push homeowners insurance higher in Oklahoma than in many states. Impact-resistant or FORTIFIED roofs can help lower premiums; see our Tulsa roofing companies list for certified installers.
Rent
Zillow’s 2026 data shows average Tulsa rent of about $1,300 across all rental types, roughly 35 percent below the national average. One-bedroom apartments average about $930, two-bedrooms about $1,215 and three-bedrooms about $1,500.
Where Rent Costs More
Newer buildings downtown, in the Tulsa Arts District and around Brookside command premium rents, while older complexes and neighborhoods further from the core are cheaper.
Taxes
Oklahoma cut its top personal income tax rate from 4.75 percent to 4.5 percent for the 2026 tax year and consolidated its brackets. There is no city income tax in Tulsa.
Sales Tax
The state sales tax is 4.5 percent, and city and county taxes bring the combined rate in Tulsa to roughly 8.5 percent. Oklahoma removed its state sales tax on groceries in 2024, though local taxes still apply.
Retirees
Oklahoma exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax, which helps retirees stretch fixed incomes.
Utilities
Most homes get electricity from PSO, natural gas from ONG and water and sewer from the City of Tulsa or a suburban provider. Summer cooling is the biggest variable, so an efficient air conditioner and good insulation make a real difference. Our Tulsa HVAC companies guide lists contractors that can help with efficiency upgrades and utility rebates.
Transportation
Tulsa is built for cars. Commutes are short by big-city standards, traffic is light outside rush hour, and gas prices in Oklahoma are usually below the national average. Tulsa Transit runs buses, including the Aero rapid lines, but most households budget for at least one vehicle per adult.
Everyday Costs And Home Services
Groceries, dining out and entertainment generally run near or below national averages. Home service costs are also moderate, but storms and heat can bring unexpected repair bills, so it pays to know who to call.
Budget For Maintenance
Set aside money for roof, HVAC, plumbing and garage door repairs. Our lists of Tulsa plumbers and garage door companies include typical price ranges.
Moving Costs
Local moves are usually billed by the hour. Compare quotes in our Tulsa movers guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulsa cheaper than the national average?
Yes. Housing in particular costs far less, with Tulsa County’s typical home value about a third below the national figure and rent roughly 35 percent below average.
What salary do you need to live in Tulsa?
Many single renters live comfortably on $50,000 to $60,000 a year. Families buying a home in suburbs like Jenks or Bixby typically need $90,000 or more.
Does Tulsa have a city income tax?
No. Oklahoma municipalities do not levy income taxes, so Tulsa residents pay only state and federal income tax.
Why is home insurance expensive in Tulsa?
Frequent hail and wind storms raise claim costs across Oklahoma. Roof type, age and deductible choices have a big effect on premiums.
Conclusion
Tulsa offers one of the best cost-to-amenity ratios among mid-sized U.S. cities, especially for housing. Plan for higher insurance and sales tax than you may be used to, and budget for storm-related maintenance.
