63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Tulsa wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tulsa wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Tulsa is more affordable
💼 Tulsa has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Tulsa — The Verdict
Tulsa scores 77.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Tulsa has a clear edge with home prices 43% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Tulsa may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Tulsa are 43% lower — a difference of $130,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Tulsa saves you $356/month — that's $4,272 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $15,025 more per year (27% higher median income).
📊
Tulsa has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Tulsa has cleaner air with an AQI 42 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$174,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$958
Median Income
$71,673
$56,648
The affordability gap is significant — Tulsa offers home prices 43% lower than Chicago, translating to $130,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Tulsa having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
18 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Tulsa wins on air quality with an AQI 42 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
21
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Tulsa: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Tulsa is more affordable overall. Home prices are $130,300 lower in Tulsa. Monthly rent is $958 in Tulsa vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Tulsa have better weather?
Tulsa scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Tulsa better for finding a job?
Tulsa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Tulsa. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $56,648 in Tulsa.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Tulsa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Tulsa. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tulsa.
Should I move from Chicago to Tulsa?
Based on our data, Tulsa scores 77.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Tulsa is more affordable, while Tulsa has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.