Tulsa vs. Oklahoma City: Full Comparison + Livability in 2023

The biggest rivalry between any two cities in the US state of Oklahoma is Tulsa vs. Oklahoma City. Tulsa and OKC are the two largest cities in Oklahoma, which sits north of Texas and south of Kansas. Sometimes regarded as a flyover state, Oklahoma offers a lot more than meets the eye.

Nicknamed the Sooner State, Oklahoma is known for its cowboy culture and Native American heritage, as well as its thriving oil and gas industries. It’s also home to vast areas of beautiful nature such as the Great Plains, red clay hills, and the Ozarks. You might even enjoy an onion burger or casino in this southern state.

But if you’re really looking to have fun and experience culture in Oklahoma, you head toward the cities. Tulsa and OKC have more differences than people may think. In this article, we will compare the two main municipalities of Oklahoma.

Tulsa vs. Oklahoma City: Full Comparison

We will first list out what’s good and what’s not so good about each place. Comparing the pros and cons will help us understand how these cities differ from one another, for better or for worse.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The smaller of the two cities, Tulsa is the art capital of the Sooner State. Once known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” the city boomed in the early 1900s. Tulsa is the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma and is known for having a more progressive attitude than OKC.

With a smaller population and sleepy downtown, Tulsa feels like much less of a metropolis than Oklahoma City. But Tulsa is full of rich history and plenty of amenities that you’d find in a typical American city.

Pros of Tulsa

✅ Affordability – The cost of living in Tulsa is 40% lower than in Los Angeles, and a whopping 61% lower than in New York City. Some may say there’s a reason for this, given the city’s far proximity to oceans or mountains, but Tulsa offers a lot of what you can find in a bigger city. With median home prices 43% below the national average at $157,200, that’s quite the bang for your buck.

✅ Short Commutes – People in Tulsa enjoy commutes that are 20 minutes less than the national average. Sitting in traffic is not something you will encounter here. You can spend all that extra time with friends and family, or finally finish that jigsaw puzzle you’ve been working on.

✅ Urban Green Space – The city of Tulsa manages 135 parks covering roughly 6,553 acres. One local favorite is Veteran’s Park near downtown, which offers spectacular views of Tulsa’s skyline. Then there’s the Gathering Place, a ridiculously huge park that was voted USA Today’s Best City Park in 2021.

✅ Proximity to Nature – Tulsa is located in the northeast region of Oklahoma, which is known as the “Green Country” of the state. Built along the Arkansas River, and tucked between the Osage Hills and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, adventurous types don’t need to travel far to experience the great outdoors.

✅ Art Scene – Tulsa is known as the “artsy” city of Oklahoma. Tulsa’s Arts District is home to a monthly First Friday art crawl and colorful murals that surround patrons of the lively area. It also houses multiple live entertainment venues, including the legendary Cain’s Ballroom, which is said the be the birthplace of western swing music back in the day.

Cons of Tulsa

❌ Crime Rate – Unfortunately, your chances of being a victim of a crime in Tulsa are much higher than in most other cities in the US. Granted, most of these crimes occur in small pockets of the city, but it’s still worth mentioning. The violent crime rate in Tulsa is 48.3, which is significantly higher than the national average of 22.7.

❌ Lack of Public Transportation – Yes, there is a bus system in Tulsa, but there’s not much to it. They received a transit score of 24 out of 100. A car is highly recommended to get around the city.

❌ Lack of Diversity – Although Tulsa has a vibe that is accepting of all cultures, you might be surprised to know that minorities only make up about 20% of the population. Tulsa was once home to one of the largest and richest Black communities in the country. Visitors are encouraged to take a Black Wall Street Tour or check out the Greenwood Rising museum to learn more about this significant turning point in Tulsa’s history.

❌ Extreme Weather – Some residents say Tulsa only has two seasons: hot and cold. Temperatures drop well below freezing in the winters, while summer highs average around 95 degrees. And of course, Oklahoma is directly situated in “Tornado Alley,” so you have that to worry about, too.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of Oklahoma. You’ll quickly find that the personality and feel of OKC are exceedingly different than Tulsa.

OKC has more of a “big city” feel with a faster pace of life and bustling urban environment. In fact, with nearly 1,400 people per square mile, the population is almost twice as dense as Tulsa. The cowboy culture and fundamentalist mindset are also much stronger in OKC.

Pros of Oklahoma City

✅ Great Housing Market – While more expensive than Tulsa, Oklahoma City still has property prices much lower than the national average. OKC is the 8th-largest city in the United States by area, so residents can get the feel of living in a big city without the overbearing costs.

✅ Robust Economy – The economy of OKC is diverse, but relies heavily on energy industries such as oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. The city is also home to one of the world’s largest livestock markets. OKC’s unemployment rate (2.7%) is typically lower than the national average (3.4%).

✅ Educational Opportunities – Home to the largest school district in the state, the city has many highly-rated primary and secondary schools. Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Community College provide options for higher learning. The largest and third largest universities in the state, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma, are located in nearby suburbs.

✅ Diversity – Oklahoma City’s population is much more diverse than that of Tulsa. Minorities make up nearly 40% of the population in OKC, whereas Tulsa is made up of 20% minorities. This again goes with OKC’s more “big city” feel than its smaller neighbor.

✅ Sports Town – If you’re into rodeos, Oklahoma City is the horse show capital of the world, with more horse show events and championships than any other city on the planet. If professional team sports are more your thing, the OKC Thunder are the city’s NBA team. You can also watch the Dodgers play minor league baseball in the Bricktown Ballpark.

Cons of Oklahoma City

❌ Extreme Weather – This con was also listed for Tulsa, but since both cities are in the same region, they are both affected. The humidity in the summer can make the high temperatures feel even hotter. Winter snowstorms are also possible in this tornado-prone state.

❌ Underfunded Infrastructure – Many infrastructure issues in the city are not repaired in a timely manner. Motorists will often complain about worn-out highways or roads with potholes. For pedestrians, a lack of smooth sidewalks can also be a problem.

❌ Lack of Nature Access – Oklahoma City is located in the middle of a prairie and does not offer a lot of options for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. Nature lovers will need to get creative or expect a long drive before getting into the wilderness.

❌ High Tax on Food – Anyone looking to eat, drink, or buy groceries in OKC can expect to pay rather high taxes on the goods. Not only are items taxed at the state rate, but there’s a local rate as well. In full, this tax rate can end up being as high as 10% per transaction.

Tulsa / Oklahoma City FAQs

So we’ve examined the pros and cons of each city, but there may still be questions in need of answering. Let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when comparing Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Is Tulsa Bigger than Oklahoma City?

In terms of total land area, Tulsa is much smaller than Oklahoma City. The city of Tulsa encompasses 202 square miles of land, while OKC covers 621 square miles. Tulsa also has a smaller population than Oklahoma City.

Tulsa vs Oklahoma City Population

The population of Tulsa is 411,401 and the population of Oklahoma City is 687,725, so OKC has a larger population than Tulsa. The same goes when comparing the total metropolitan populations of the two cities. Tulsa and all of its suburbs are home to 1.024 million people, while 1.409 million people live in metro OKC.

In terms of population growth, OKC has seen a much bigger increase than Tulsa in recent years. While Tulsa’s population has been holding steady, OKC was one of only 14 US cities to gain over 100,000 residents from 2010 to 2020. It was the sixth fastest-growing large city during that span.

Is Tulsa More Expensive than Oklahoma City?

No. Tulsa is cheaper than Oklahoma City. According to Numbeo.com, consumer prices including rent in Tulsa are 13.9% lower than in Oklahoma City.

Is OKC or Tulsa Safer?

While both cities have higher crime rates than the national average, OKC is safer. When it comes to the violent crime index from 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime), OKC scores 40.4, and Tulsa scores 48.3. OKC is also safer in terms of property crime (60) than Tulsa (74.3).

OKC vs Tulsa Skyline

Many would say that Tulsa has a more impressive skyline than OKC. Aside from OKC’s Devon Tower, which is the tallest building in Oklahoma, buildings in Tulsa round out the top 5 in terms of height. Tulsa has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture, which gives its skyline a distinctive and charming style.

Tulsa to Oklahoma City

The distance between Tulsa and Oklahoma City is 106 miles. It takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to make this drive. The majority of the trip is spent on I-44, the interstate that connects the two cities.

Tulsa versus Oklahoma City: Cost of Living

Overall, Tulsa is the cheaper place to live, perhaps because it’s smaller and has a more stagnant growth rate.

Housing Costs

If you are looking to rent a living space, Tulsa is the cheaper of the two. The average monthly rent in Tulsa is $904, while the average monthly rent in OKC is $962. Home prices are also less expensive in Tulsa, coming in at an average of $271,982. In OKC, the average home price is $304,816.

Utility Costs

In Oklahoma City, the cost of basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are pricier than in Tulsa. The average monthly cost of the aforementioned utilities in OKC is $287. In Tulsa, the cost of utilities averages $249 per month.

Food Costs

When looking at data from Numbeo.com, we find it costs less to eat in Tulsa than it does in OKC. Restaurant prices are 5% lower and grocery prices are 15% lower in Tulsa than in the capital city.

Best Things to do in Tulsa

1. Gaze Upon Art Deco Architecture – When oil was discovered in the area, Tulsa had a huge population boom in the early 1920s. Thanks to the timing of that growth spurt, Tulsa is full of art deco architecture. Many of the skyscrapers and churches downtown feature well-preserved examples of this complex design era.
2. Gathering Place – Opened to the public in 2018, this riverfront park gives Tulsans over 66 acres of outdoor recreation. There are so many activities in this park that you can have a different experience every time you visit. The Gathering Place includes attractions such as a skate park, basketball courts, a beach, walking trails, and three restaurants.
3. Cain’s Ballroom – This historic music venue is one of the best places to catch a show in the entire country. The intimate setting is complete with a maple, spring-loaded dancefloor, ideal for getting your groove on. Cain’s has hosted many iconic musicians such as Bob Dylan and Hank Williams, and was one of only seven venues played by the Sex Pistols in 1978 during their only North American tour.
4. Black Wall Street – Tulsa’s Greenwood District, nicknamed “Black Wall Street” was the site of the worst racial massacre in American history. Today, visitors can explore the neighborhood for a glance at what was once home to a thriving community of Black residents. A museum, park, murals, and other tributes are now found in the historic Greenwood District.
5. Cherry Street – Though technically located on 15th Street, this lively district still takes on the name of the original street on which it was built. Cherry Street is the best place in town to eat, drink, and shop. If chain restaurants aren’t your thing, this street features the city’s highest number of locally-owned businesses.
6. Philbrook Museum of Art – This prestigious museum of fine art is housed within the former 72-room mansion of Tulsa oilman Waite Phillips. The Philbrook Gardens outside the museum might be even more stunning than the art inside. The 25-acre gardens were recently named “The Most Beautiful Place in Oklahoma” by House Beautiful Magazine.
7. Woody Guthrie Center – Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma and became famous for writing the song “This Land is Your Land.” The center houses a collection of his original art and writings, as well as information about the Dust Bowl period. Music nerds can stay occupied for hours with a lyric-writing station, a listening station, and exhibits by other artists that change throughout the year.
8. Tulsa Arts District – Unleash your creativity by taking a stroll through this culturally robust neighborhood. There are many art galleries and museums housed in the well-preserved brick buildings throughout the district. Once you’ve seen enough paintings, you can spend the evening at a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
9. Oral Roberts University – When construction of this campus began in 1963, the architects were going for a futuristic look. The buildings have been described as something from the set of The Jetsons. Whatever your opinion of the architecture may be, taking a walk on the Oral Roberts University campus is something you won’t soon forget.
10. Golden Driller – If you need something free to do in Tulsa, look no further than the Golden Driller (he’s hard to miss). Standing 75 feet tall, this statue of an oil worker has become a symbol of Tulsa. Snap a selfie and see if you can fit all of him in one shot.
11. Route 66 – You may have heard of the historic Route 66 that was built to connect Chicago to Los Angeles, but did you know its original planning was done by a man from Tulsa? The “Main Street of America” ran through Tulsa in its heyday, and is still highlighted with landmarks along the route. A local favorite is Mother Road Market, Oklahoma’s first food hall.

Best Things to do in Oklahoma City

1. Oklahoma City National Memorial – This memorial is a tribute to the horrifying domestic terrorist attack that took place in April 1995. Located at the site of the incident, where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood, the Oklahoma City National Memorial offers a place of healing, hope, and an opportunity to remember those who passed. The memorial recently went through a $10 million renovation with state-of-the-art technology and new artifacts.
2. Bricktown Water Taxi – The Bricktown entertainment district is a fantastic example of urban renewal. Bricktown is the hottest place in the city for shopping and dining, with fun patios distributed across a man-made canal. Ride a water taxi through the canal to explore the area and learn the history of the surrounding businesses.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball – Experience the thrill of an NBA basketball game in person at the Paycom Center downtown. If the Thunder aren’t in town, do not fret. Paycom Center also hosts plenty of concerts and other exciting events.
4. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – This renowned museum takes you on a journey of the United States’ ranching history and cowboy tradition. The collection of antiques and artwork here is truly top-notch. The museum also teaches visitors about Native American history and the tragic Trail of Tears.
5. Stockyards City – In this historic district, you can find the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest feeder and stocker cattle market. The live cattle auctions in the stockyards take place twice a week and are open to the public. If you aren’t in the market for a cow, you can also shop at a slew of specialty markets that sell all sorts of western gear.
6. Oklahoma City Zoo – This zoo was rated as one of the most family-friendly zoos in the country, but it brings joy to people of all ages. The OKC Zoo showcases animals native to the state and from all over the world. A must-see section is the Asian Sanctuary, which includes habitats for rare species such as Indian rhinos and Komodo dragons.
7. 45th Infantry Division Museum – If you are a history buff, this museum is the perfect place to spend the day. The 45th Infantry Division Museum covers the history of American military conflicts throughout the 20th century. The outdoor grounds of the museum even include rows of military vehicles that were used in these conflicts.
8. Oklahoma State Capitol – Fun fact, the Oklahoma State Capitol is the only capitol in the world with an oil well under it. Visitors are welcome to guide themselves through the Oklahoma State Capitol or join a tour at no cost. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm.
9. Museum of Osteology – This museum operates under the belief that conservation must begin through education and appreciation of the natural world. The Museum of Osteology displays over 450 skeletons from animals all over the world. Admission for adults is $12, and very worth it for this unique activity.
10. Frontier City Theme Park – For those seeking a thrill, Frontier City is the place to be for roller coasters. The park also features water slides, children’s rides, and other attractions. The Western theme of the park fits perfectly with the overall culture of OKC.
11. Centennial Land Run Monument – In April of 1889, Oklahoma Territory was opened for settlement and thousands of people rushed in overnight to claim their piece of land. This group of people became known as “sooners” and forever made an impact on Oklahoma’s history. This bronze sculpture is dedicated to those who to the risk to better the lives of their families.

Conclusion: Tulsa and Oklahoma City Compared

When deciding where to live between these two great cities, there is much to consider. Each one has its own unique pros and cons, as we discussed above. At the end of the day, it really comes down to which qualities are important to you.

If you want to live in a bigger city, OKC may be the best fit for you. If you are looking to spend less, Tulsa would make more sense.

After comparing the two options, we believe Tulsa provides residents with the most value for the money and has a better overall vibe. That’s not to say others might prefer Oklahoma City. Everyone is entitled to form their own opinion, and hopefully, the information in this article is conducive to that.