📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Austin and Tulsa
Head-to-Head Analysis
Austin vs Tulsa
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Austin | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $91,501 | $56,821 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 3.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $520,000 | $246,960 |
| Price per SqFt | $306 | $147 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $821 | $900 |
| Housing Cost Index | 126.4 | 69.4 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.9 | 92.2 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 399.5 | 789.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 61.7% | 33.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 41 | 33 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's get real. You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Austin, Texas—the tech-drenched, music-blaring, keep-it-weird mecca that's been the cool kid on the block for two decades. On the other, Tulsa, Oklahoma—the underdog Rust Belt revivalist promising you a life where you can actually afford a mortgage and a social life.
This isn't just about geography; it's about what kind of life you want to build. Are you chasing the high-octane energy of a booming metropolis, or are you looking for breathing room, community, and a serious bang for your buck?
Buckle up. We're diving deep into the data, the vibes, and the real-world trade-offs to help you decide where to plant your flag.
The Vibe Check: Boomtown vs. The Big Break
Austin: The Hyper-Charged Hustle
Austin is that friend who wakes up at 5 AM for a run, crushes a startup pitch by 9, and is in a band that plays at midnight. It's a city fueled by caffeine, code, and live music. The vibe is relentlessly energetic, aggressively young, and dripping with Southern charm (but with a progressive, "don't-tread-on-me" edge). It's a sprawling, sun-baked metropolis where the "it" crowd is always changing, and the pressure to keep up is real.
- Who is Austin for? The ambitious young professional, the tech worker, the live music fanatic, and anyone who thrives in a fast-paced, competitive environment. You come here to make it.
Tulsa: The Scrappy Comeback Kid
Tulsa is the friend who's low-key, full of hidden depth, and has their life together. It's a city with grit. It's got a rich history (think oil money and Art Deco architecture) and a present that's actively trying to reinvent itself. The energy is more laid-back, more community-focused. It's about Friday night high school football, farmers' markets, and knowing your bartender by name. It's not trying to be the next Silicon Valley; it's trying to be the best version of Tulsa.
- Who is Tulsa for? The creative, the family looking for roots, the remote worker who wants a lower cost of living, and anyone who feels priced out of the big coastal (or Austin) cities. You come here to live.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Take You?
This is where the battle gets interesting. Austin boasts a much higher median income, but Tulsa's cost of living is a fraction of Austin's. But what does that look like in your bank account?
Let's break it down. We'll use a hypothetical monthly budget based on the provided data.
Cost of Living Head-to-Head
| Category | Austin | Tulsa | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $91,501 | $56,821 | Austin |
| Rent (1BR) | $821 | $900 | Austin |
| Housing Index | 105.8 (5.8% above nat'l avg) | 78.0 (22% below nat'l avg) | Tulsa |
| Overall Vibe | High-Income, High-Cost | Lower-Income, Low-Cost | Tie (Depends on your goal) |
The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
At first glance, Austin's median income of $91,501 looks like a runaway winner against Tulsa's $56,821. But hold on.
In Austin, that $91k is fighting for its life against a cost of living that's creeping up. In Tulsa, that $56k feels a lot closer to $80k in Austin because your money goes so much further.
Let's talk taxes, because that's a massive dealbreaker. Texas has a 0% state income tax. Oklahoma's state income tax has brackets ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. On a $56,821 salary in Tulsa, you're paying a few thousand dollars a year to the state. In Austin, you keep every single penny of that state tax.
The Insight: If you earn $100,000, Austin is your winner. You'll keep more of it, and while housing is pricier, your overall net worth will grow faster here if you can handle the housing market. If you earn $50,000, Tulsa is a no-brainer. You'll live a middle-class lifestyle in Tulsa on a working-class Austin salary.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Cry?
Austin: The Bloodsport
The data shows Austin's Median Home Price at a staggering $545,000. Let's be clear: that's the price of entry. In desirable neighborhoods, you're looking at much, much more. The market is a perennial "Seller's Market." You're competing against cash offers from California, bidding wars, and folks who have been saving for a decade. It's brutal. Rent, at $821, is also a bit misleading; that's likely an outlier or an old figure, as the average renter in Austin pays significantly more, often pushing $1,600+ for a decent one-bedroom.
Tulsa: The Breathing Room
The data here is fascinating. Tulsa's "N/A" for median home price is telling—it's a more varied market. You can find a charming bungalow for $180,000 or a modern loft for $350,000. The Housing Index of 78.0 confirms it's a buyer's paradise. You can realistically save for a down payment and buy a home before you turn 30. Rent at $900 is much closer to reality and is still incredibly affordable compared to national averages. This is Tulsa's single biggest selling point.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- Austin: It's legendary. I-35 is a parking lot. Mopac is a suggestion. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45-60 minutes. Public transit is lackluster for a city its size. Car ownership is mandatory.
- Tulsa: Traffic is... fine. You can get across town in 20-30 minutes. The city is built for cars, but it doesn't punish you for owning one. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Tulsa.
Weather
- Austin: The data says 47.0°F average, which is the average annual temp. What it hides is the brutal 100°F+ summer days that last for months. The humidity is a physical presence. Winters are mild, but ice storms happen. It's a sun-lover's paradise but a summer-hater's nightmare.
- Tulsa: The data says 34.0°F. Winters are colder, with real snow and ice. Summers are hot but generally less oppressive than Austin's. You get four distinct seasons, which is a pro for some and a con for others.
Crime & Safety
- Austin: Violent Crime Rate: 399.5/100k. Austin is statistically one of the safer large cities in America. While property crime is a concern, you generally feel safe walking around.
- Tulsa: Violent Crime Rate: 789.0/100k. This is a significant data point. Tulsa's violent crime rate is nearly double that of Austin. It's a city with challenges, and safety can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. This is a serious consideration for families and anyone prioritizing personal security.
The Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?
After digging into the data and the lifestyles, here's how it breaks down.
WINNER for Families: Tulsa
The combination of affordable housing (you can get a house for under $250k), good schools in the suburbs, and a slower pace of life makes it a much more viable place to raise kids without being house-poor. The crime rate is a concern, so research is key, but the financial freedom is a game-changer for a growing family.
WINNER for Singles/Young Pros: Austin
If you're under 35 and your primary goal is career growth, networking, and a vibrant social scene, Austin is still the king. The higher salary potential, endless things to do, and massive pool of peers are unmatched. You can tolerate the high rent and traffic for a few years to turbocharge your life and resume.
WINNER for Retirees: Tulsa
Austin's heat is a killer for seniors. Tulsa offers four seasons, a much lower cost of living, and a more relaxed pace. Your retirement savings will stretch infinitely further, and the city's focus on arts, culture, and community is perfect for this stage of life.
Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons
Austin, Texas
- Pros:
- High Median Income ($91,501) and strong job market.
- 0% State Income Tax puts more money in your pocket.
- Electric Culture: Unbeatable live music, nightlife, and young energy.
- Safer: Significantly lower violent crime rate.
- Outdoor Scene: Hiking, swimming holes, and sunshine are plentiful.
- Cons:
- Sticker Shock: Housing is brutally expensive ($545k median).
- Traffic is a Nightmare: Commutes can crush your soul.
- Brutal Summers: The heat is no joke.
- Gentrification: The "weird" Austin is getting priced out.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: Your money has superpowers here.
- Low Housing Costs: Homeownership is an actual reality.
- Easy Commute: Spend less time in the car and more time living.
- Grit & Charm: A city with real character and a strong sense of community.
- Four Seasons: If you hate summer, you'll love it here.
- Cons:
- Lower Wages: The median income ($56,821) is significantly lower.
- High Crime Rate: The violent crime stat is a major red flag.
- State Income Tax: You'll pay a small percentage to Oklahoma.
- Fewer "Big City" Amenities: Don't expect the same scale of events or dining.
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Austin to Tulsa.