📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Tulsa and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Tulsa vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Tulsa | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $56,821 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $246,960 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $147 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $900 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 69.4 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.2 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 789.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 33.7% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're standing at a crossroads, and the signs point to two wildly different destinations: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
On one hand, you've got Philly—a gritty, East Coast powerhouse steeped in American history, cheesesteaks, and a fast-paced, no-nonsense attitude. On the other, you've got Tulsa—a Midwestern gem known for its booming arts scene, shockingly affordable living, and a "slow your roll" pace of life.
This isn't just about picking a city; it's about picking a lifestyle. So grab a seat. As your relocation expert, I'm going to break down exactly what life looks like in each spot, using cold, hard data to see which one truly offers the best bang for your buck.
The Vibe Check: History vs. Horizon
Let's get one thing straight: these two cities are not even playing the same sport.
Philadelphia is the ultimate East Coast underdog. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You've got the historic charm of Society Hill, the hipster grit of Fishtown, and the academic energy of University City. Philly is for the person who wants to feel the pulse of a major metro—without the soul-crushing price tag of New York or D.C. It’s for history nerds, foodies who appreciate a good hoagie, and anyone who thrives on the energy of 1.5 million people packed into a tight grid.
Tulsa, on the other hand, is the definition of a hidden gem. It’s the city you move to when you’re tired of the rat race. The vibe here is more "front porch conversations" than "hustle and bustle." With a population of just 410,915, it feels more like a massive small town. It’s for the creative, the entrepreneur looking for low overhead, and the family that wants a backyard and a ten-minute commute. This is the frontier spirit reborn, mixing Art Deco architecture with a modern, laid-back sensibility.
Who is it for?
- Philly: The urbanite who craves culture, walkability, and a seat at the table of a major East Coast corridor.
- Tulsa: The person who values space, community, and financial freedom over city-slicker status.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Feels Like a Jackpot?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about Purchasing Power. We're going to assume a median salary for this comparison to see how far it gets you.
Cost of Living Head-to-Head
Here’s the sticker shock—or lack thereof.
| Category | Philadelphia | Tulsa | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $900 | Tulsa (by a landslide) |
| Housing Index | 102.5 | 78.0 | Tulsa (31% cheaper) |
| Utilities | ~$160 | ~$180 | Tulsa (Slightly) |
| Groceries | ~$125 | ~$115 | Tulsa (Slightly) |
The Salary Wars:
Let's say you earn the median income. In Philadelphia, the median household income is $60,302. In Tulsa, it's a hair lower at $56,821.
On paper, Philly pays more. But let's look at the rent. A typical Philadelphian is spending roughly $17,412 a year on rent. A Tulsan is spending $10,800. That's a difference of $6,612—almost 11% of the median household income—just going back into your pocket in Tulsa.
The Tax Man Cometh:
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Oklahoma is slightly higher, with a top marginal rate of 4.75% on income over $8,700. So, Tulsa loses a point here, but it's not a dealbreaker.
The Verdict: While Philly offers higher nominal salaries, Tulsa’s laughably low rent means your money stretches much further. If you want to feel wealthy, Tulsa wins.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Get Out?
Philadelphia: The Steady Climb
The median home price in Philly is $285,000. With a Housing Index of 102.5, it's slightly above the national average, but it's a solid investment. The market here is competitive but stable. You're buying into a major historical city with deep roots. It's a Seller's Market in the desirable neighborhoods, meaning you'll have to move fast and bid smart. Renting is the default for many, but buying is an attainable goal for the middle class.
Tulsa: The Wild West
The data for Tulsa's median home price is "N/A," but let's be real: it's significantly cheaper. With a Housing Index of 78.0, you are looking at getting 31% more house for your money compared to the national average. You can find gorgeous, renovated historic homes for a fraction of what a fixer-upper would cost in Philly. This is unequivocally a Buyer's Market. The barrier to entry for homeownership is on the floor. If your dream is a white picket fence without drowning in debt, Tulsa is calling your name.
The Dealbreakers: The Stuff That Actually Matters
Traffic & Commute
- Philly: It's an East Coast city. Traffic can be brutal, but Philly has a secret weapon: it's one of the most walkable cities in America. Plus, the SEPTA system (though not perfect) gets you around. The average commute is around 28 minutes.
- Tulsa: We're talking about a different universe. Traffic jams are rare. The average commute is a breezy 20 minutes. You'll spend less time in your car and more time living your life. Winner: Tulsa.
Weather & Climate
- Philly: Four distinct, aggressive seasons. Summers are hot and humid, hitting 90°F regularly. Winters are cold and snowy, averaging highs around 30.0°F. You'll deal with slush, Nor'easters, and swamp-ass.
- Tulsa: Also four seasons, but with a Midwestern twist. Summers are hotter (90°F+ is common) and the humidity is real (think: Texas-lite). Winters are milder than Philly, averaging around 34.0°F, but you'll still get ice storms and the occasional snow. It's less intense but still requires a coat. Winner: Tulsa (by a slight margin for being slightly less brutal in winter).
Crime & Safety
Let's be honest, this is a big one.
- Philly: The violent crime rate is 726.5 incidents per 100,000 people. This is high. Like, significantly-above-the-national-average high. It is a city of stark contrasts; some neighborhoods are incredibly safe and charming, while others are struggling. You have to do your neighborhood research here.
- Tulsa: The rate here is even higher, at 789.0 incidents per 100,000 people. This is a sobering stat. While Tulsa feels like a friendly, small town, it has significant challenges with crime, particularly in specific pockets. It is not a "safe by default" city.
The Verdict on Safety: This is a push, and it's a bad one for both. Neither city is a bastion of safety. Both have crime rates that require vigilance and smart neighborhood selection. Verdict: It's a tie (and a concerning one).
The Verdict: Which City Wins Your Life?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.
WINNER FOR FAMILIES: TULSA
The math is undeniable. For the price of a cramped apartment in Philly, you can get a 3-bedroom house with a yard in a decent school district in Tulsa. The lower cost of living means one parent can potentially stay home, or you can save aggressively for college. The slower pace is just easier on kids.
WINNER FOR SINGLES & YOUNG PROS: PHILLY
If you're under 35 and want to be where the action is, Philly wins. The density, the nightlife, the networking opportunities, the world-class restaurants, and the proximity to NYC and D.C. create an energy that Tulsa can't match. You pay for it, but the social return on investment is higher.
WINNER FOR RETIREES: TULSA
This one's about bang for your buck. On a fixed income, your nest egg stretches incredibly far in Tulsa. You can live like royalty on a modest pension. The community is welcoming, and the slower pace of life is a feature, not a bug. Philly’s walkability is a plus, but the cost of living and urban grit can be a lot to handle in your golden years.
Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons
Philadelphia
Pros:
- World-Class Culture: Museums, history, arts, and a legendary food scene.
- Walkability & Transit: Easy to live without a car in many neighborhoods.
- Economic Hub: Strong job market in healthcare, finance, and education.
- Proximity: Close to NYC, D.C., and the Jersey Shore.
Cons:
- Cost of Living: High rent and taxes eat into your paycheck.
- Traffic & Congestion: Daily life can feel crowded and stressful.
- Crime: High rates require constant awareness and neighborhood vetting.
- Brutal Weather: The winters are no joke.
Tulsa
Pros:
- Affordability: The 78.0 Housing Index is the stuff of dreams for aspiring homeowners.
- Easy Living: Minimal traffic, short commutes, and a laid-back vibe.
- Booming Arts Scene: A surprising amount of culture packed into a small city.
- Sense of Space: You get room to breathe, both indoors and out.
Cons:
- Car Dependent: You'll need a car to get almost anywhere.
- Crime Rate: Statistically, it's a more dangerous city than Philly.
- Isolation: You're a day's drive from any other major metro.
- Summer Heat & Humidity: It gets swampy.