Tulsa, OK, United States Hero Image
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Tulsa, OK, United States

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

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📊 Scores

71
FIRE
69
Retiree
80
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 80)

Oil built Tulsa, but it's not an oil town anymore—finance, aviation, and tech now drive paychecks. American Airlines has a major maintenance hub here, Oneok dominates energy infrastructure, and banks like BOK Financial employ thousands. The two universities (TU and ORU) plus OU/OSU satellite campuses create steady education and research jobs. Salaries run 10–15% below national averages, but so does cost of living, making it genuinely viable for remote workers or those switching to local employment.

Rent for a one-bedroom downtown runs $1,300/month—reasonable for a mid-sized US city, though outer neighborhoods drop to $900–$1,100. You'll need a car; public transit is minimal and unreliable. Healthcare is solid: Saint Francis and Hillcrest are competent regional hospitals. No language barrier (English-speaking US city), but Oklahoma bureaucracy moves slowly—vehicle registration and business licensing require patience. Utilities and groceries are cheap; that's the real win.

Summers hit 95°F regularly; winters are mild. The Arkansas River trails and Philbrook Museum anchor weekends; the art deco architecture is genuinely worth exploring. Food scene is meat-heavy and casual—excellent barbecue, forgettable fine dining. The expat community is tiny (this is America), but young professionals and remote workers are quietly relocating here. Tulsa suits people who want US stability, low cost, and cultural amenities without coastal prices or crowds.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,903/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Tulsa, OK on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,903 a month for one adult, with $911 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $270 on groceries, $160 on dining out, $139 on entertainment and lifestyle, $378 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.

Rent

$911/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$270/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$160/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$139/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$378/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$45.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$992/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1243.33/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

72
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

28
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Tulsa is a genuinely safe mid-sized American city with a Safety Index of 72—well above the U.S. average. Day-to-day life feels secure; downtown and midtown neighborhoods are walkable during daylight, though like most U.S. cities, solo nighttime walks aren't advisable in unfamiliar areas. The city's reputation as safe is largely accurate, supported by lower violent crime rates than comparable metros.

Property crime (vehicle theft, burglary) occurs at moderate rates typical for Oklahoma cities; petty theft is uncommon in residential areas. Avoid isolated sections of North Tulsa after dark and exercise standard urban caution in downtown parking areas. Solo female travelers report feeling safe during normal hours; standard precautions (awareness, avoiding isolated spots) apply. Scams are minimal—this isn't a scam hotspot.

Tulsa has stable local governance, reliable police response, and no significant political instability or corruption concerns affecting daily life. As a U.S. city, it offers the legal protections and infrastructure Americans expect. For a 30-65 year-old considering relocation, Tulsa presents a low-risk environment with good walkability, affordable living, and genuine community safety—an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees seeking stability without the crime concerns of larger metros.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
No
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Tulsa, OK's healthcare compares with Albrightsville, PA

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
32°C
Winter Temp
4°C
Humidity
62%
Air Quality Index
52
Annual Rainfall
1070 mm

Best Months

AprMayOctNov

Climate Notes

Tulsa has hot, humid summers (June-August) and mild winters with occasional ice storms, offering distinct seasons with spring and fall as pleasant transition periods.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
180 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$64/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
2
Digital Nomad Score
80/100

Community Notes

Tulsa is a vibrant city with growing digital nomad community.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
The Root CoworkingLocated in the heart of downtown Tulsa, The Root offers a vibrant community and modern workspace. It's a great option for digital nomads seeking a collaborative environment with various membership options and amenities like private phone booths and a stocked kitchen.
36 Degrees NorthLocated in the Brady Arts District, 36 Degrees North is a hub for entrepreneurs and startups. It provides a dynamic atmosphere, mentorship opportunities, and resources that can be beneficial for remote workers looking to connect with the local business community.
Regus - Tulsa, Warren PlaceLocated in the Warren Place office complex, this Regus location offers a professional and convenient workspace solution. It's ideal for those seeking a more traditional office environment with flexible terms and access to business services.
Venture X Tulsa - MidtownLocated in Midtown Tulsa, Venture X offers a modern and upscale coworking experience. It features high-end amenities, private offices, and a professional atmosphere, making it suitable for established remote workers and entrepreneurs.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Brookside, Cherry Street
Banks Nearby
18
ATMs Nearby
2

Expat Life Notes

A hub for the energy industry with a growing remote work population due to 'Tulsa Remote'.

Pros

  • ✓ Strong incentive for remote workers
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Rich arts culture

Cons

  • ✗ High crime in some areas
  • ✗ Tornado risk
  • ✗ Limited public transit

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Tulsa, OK

Areas of Tulsa, OK that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown

Urban, revitalized, entertainment hub

Downtown Tulsa has undergone significant revitalization, offering a mix of modern apartments, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and has some public transit, but can be noisy and expensive. Many young professionals and those seeking an urban lifestyle reside here.

Brookside

Trendy, walkable, upscale boutiques

Brookside is known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and bars along Peoria Avenue. It's a walkable area with a vibrant nightlife. Housing options are primarily single-family homes and apartments, and it tends to be more expensive than other parts of Tulsa.

Cherry Street

Historic, eclectic, artsy district

Cherry Street boasts a historic charm with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a walkable area with a strong sense of community. Housing options include historic homes and apartments. Parking can be challenging.

Midtown

Residential, diverse, central location

Midtown is a large, diverse area with a mix of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments. It's centrally located, making it easy to access other parts of Tulsa. While generally safe, some pockets may have higher crime rates.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Tulsa, OK

Click any question to expand the answer.

Tulsa, OK has a population of approximately 72,075 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $3,108 per month in Tulsa, OK, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1243/month.
The nearest airport to Tulsa, OK is RVS, approximately 10.9km away.
Tulsa, OK is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 72.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Tulsa, OK has an average internet speed of 180 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Safety index of 72 is moderate—better than national average but not exceptional. Downtown and midtown neighborhoods are generally fine; avoid north Tulsa after dark. Crime is property-related more than violent. Standard US city precautions apply.
Yes. Fiber internet is available in most neighborhoods (Tulsa Fiber Optics). Several coworking spaces exist downtown and in Midtown, though the scene is smaller than Austin or Denver. Coffee shops are reliable for WiFi.
Current data does not include specific job market information for Tulsa. The city has a cost of living index of 65.2 and an overall score of 79, with excellent healthcare and medium expat community.
Tulsa offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Expect to pay around $800-$1500 for rent depending on the neighborhood (Brookside is pricier, while areas further north are more budget-friendly). Groceries and dining out are also cheaper than in many major US cities; you can easily find a decent meal for under $20.
Brookside is popular for its shops and restaurants, but can be expensive. The Pearl District offers a more urban feel with lofts and art galleries. For families, midtown neighborhoods like Patrick Henry offer good schools and a quieter atmosphere.
Tulsa has a good healthcare system with several major hospitals like St. John and Hillcrest. You'll find plenty of English-speaking doctors, and the quality of care is generally high. However, healthcare costs in the US are significant, so ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
The current verified data does not provide climate information for Tulsa. However, the cost of living index is 65.2 (NYC=100) and the 1-bedroom rent averages $1300 per month.
While Tulsa is becoming more walkable and bike-friendly, a car is still the most convenient way to get around. Public transportation is available through Tulsa Transit, but it's not as comprehensive as in larger cities. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.
English is widely spoken in Tulsa, and you're unlikely to encounter significant language barriers. While there is a growing Hispanic population, most people you'll interact with in daily life will speak English fluently.
Tulsa's lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) individuals. Your passive income will go further here than in many other US cities, allowing you to live comfortably on a smaller budget. Real estate investments can also be a good option.
You'll find major US banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo in Tulsa. Setting up a bank account is relatively straightforward with proper identification and proof of address. Consider using online money transfer services like Wise or Remitly for international transfers to avoid high bank fees.
Tulsa offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas. People are generally friendly and welcoming, and there's a strong sense of community. It's a good place to slow down and enjoy a less hectic lifestyle.
Retiring on $2,500 per month in Tulsa is challenging, as the average monthly cost for one person without rent is $3,416. While owning a home outright could reduce expenses, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $1,300 per month, leaving only $1,200 for other costs, which is below the average non-rent spending.
Tulsa offers internet speeds averaging 180 Mbps from providers like Cox and AT&T, which supports remote work and streaming. Check availability in your specific neighborhood as options can vary.
Tulsa has a cost of living index of 65.2, but as a foreign national living in Tulsa, you are subject to US federal and Oklahoma state income taxes on income earned in the US. Consult a tax professional for guidance on tax treaties or filing requirements.
While Tulsa doesn't have a massive expat community compared to larger cities, there is a growing international presence. You can find online groups and meetups to connect with other expats and share experiences. The local universities also attract international students and faculty.

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