Moving from Mesa to Tulsa (2026)
Tulsa has a COL index of 81 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$416/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9681
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,050
per month
State tax
2.5%4.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,441
per month
Salary needed in Tulsa to match your Mesa lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Mesa | Equivalent in Tulsa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,750 |
| $50K | $42,188 |
| $60K | $50,625 |
| $75K | $63,281 |
| $80K | $67,500 |
| $100K | $84,375 |
| $120K | $101,250 |
| $150K | $126,563 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Mesa vs Tulsa
| Expense | Mesa | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,441 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $369 | $350 |
| Transport | $55 | $48 |
| Utilities | $210 | $172 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,490 | $2,763 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tulsa cheaper than Mesa?
Yes. Tulsa has a cost of living index of 81 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Mesa to Tulsa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Mesa to Tulsa could save roughly $416/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,992/year.
What salary do I need in Tulsa to match my Mesa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Mesa, you'd need roughly $63,281/year in Tulsa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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