Moving from Boulder to Tulsa (2026)
Tulsa has a COL index of 81 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 39% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,322/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13281
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,050
per month
State tax
4.4%4.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,441
per month
Salary needed in Tulsa to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 39% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Tulsa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $24,545 |
| $50K | $30,682 |
| $60K | $36,818 |
| $75K | $46,023 |
| $80K | $49,091 |
| $100K | $61,364 |
| $120K | $73,636 |
| $150K | $92,045 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Tulsa
| Expense | Boulder | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,441 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $414 | $350 |
| Transport | $80 | $48 |
| Utilities | $138 | $172 |
| Internet | $68 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,763 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tulsa cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Tulsa has a cost of living index of 81 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 39% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Tulsa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Tulsa could save roughly $1,322/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,864/year.
What salary do I need in Tulsa to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $46,023/year in Tulsa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tulsa to BoulderBoulder vs Tulsa — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingTulsa cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only