Tulsa Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

1. Tulsa: The Data Profile (2026)

Tulsa presents a distinct economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. While the city boasts a population of 410,915, positioning it as a viable mid-size hub, the median income sits at $56,821. This figure is 23.8% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, the educational attainment rate is 33.7%, virtually mirroring the national average of 33.1%. This indicates a surplus of educated labor relative to local wage generation.

The statistical target demographic is the remote-first professional or the geographic arbitrageur. These individuals earn a salary competitive with major coastal markets but leverage Tulsa's cost of living index of 78.0 (22% below average) to maximize disposable income.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The economic engine of Tulsa is its housing market, which sits at an index of 78.0. While groceries and transportation align with the national average at 90.0, the electricity cost is a significant outlier at 12.24 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median wage of $56,821 takes home approximately $3,600/month after taxes. With a total estimated cost of living of $2,665, the disposable income remaining is $935/month. This represents a 26% savings rate, significantly higher than the national average of 3.5%.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value proposition. Buying is heavily favored over renting due to the low price-to-rent ratio. The median home price is significantly depressed relative to the national curve, making homeownership accessible.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
With a median home price of $225,000 and a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5%, the monthly principal and interest payment is roughly $1,420. Comparing this to the $1,489 rent for a 3-bedroom unit, buying is financially superior immediately due to equity accumulation. For 1-bedroom units, the $900 rent is cheaper than a mortgage, making renting viable for singles, but the low $145/SqFt purchase price suggests high ROI for investors.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The 2026 economy in Tulsa is defined by stability rather than high growth. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, slightly better than the US average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market despite lower wages.

RTO and Commute:
Post-remote work shifts have normalized hybrid schedules. Tulsa's average commute time is 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28 minutes. The local industry is anchored by aerospace (American Airlines maintenance hub), energy, and healthcare (St. Francis Health). However, the -23.8% income variance suggests that the local job market has not fully captured the wage inflation seen elsewhere. The stability of the 3.5% unemployment rate provides a safety net, but wage growth is stagnant.

5. Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is strong, the health metrics present a "high-risk" profile. The city's Health Score of 77.0/100 is deceptive; it is bolstered by access to care but masked by severe lifestyle risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: The city faces a dichotomy. Violent crime is 459/100k (slightly above the US 380/100k), but Property Crime is a major concern at 2,988/100k—nearly 50% higher than the national average of 2,000/100k.
• Air Quality: AQI is 51 (Moderate) with PM2.5 at 8.1 µg/m³, which is cleaner than the US average.
• Schools: The college-educated rate of 33.7% supports a decent K-12 funding structure, though specific district data varies.
• Weather: Currently 43.0°F with highs of 50°F. Winters are mild but gray; summers are hot and humid.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Buying a home costs 44.4% less than the national average.
• Utilities: Electricity is 23.5% cheaper than the US average (12.24¢ vs 16.0¢).
• Job Security: Unemployment is low at 3.5%.
• Commute: Average commute is 21 minutes.

Cons:

• Wage Stagnation: Earnings are 23.8% below the US median.
• Property Crime: Rates are 50% higher than the national average.
• Health Risks: Obesity (37.5%) and Diabetes (12.8%) rates are critically high.

Recommendation:
Tulsa is a Buy for remote workers earning above $70,000 and families looking to stretch a budget. It is a Pass for local job seekers dependent on the local wage scale or those prioritizing low-crime urban environments.

7. FAQs

1. What salary do I need to live comfortably in Tulsa?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle and save 20% for retirement, a single earner needs approximately $65,000. This covers the $2,665 monthly budget and accounts for the higher property crime rates requiring better insurance/security.

2. How does the value compare to other mid-size cities?
Tulsa offers better housing value than cities like Nashville or Austin, with a -44.4% price delta vs the national average. However, it lags behind in cultural amenities and wage growth compared to those tech hubs.

3. Is the property crime rate a dealbreaker?
It is a significant factor. At 2,988/100k, you are statistically 1.5x more likely to experience property theft than the US average. Budgeting for a security system and renters/homeowners insurance is non-negotiable.

4. When is the best time to move to Tulsa?
Ideally in late Spring (May) or early Fall (October). The current temperature of 43.0°F is manageable, but the high humidity in July/August can make the 90+°F days uncomfortable without high AC usage, which impacts the low electricity rate advantage.