71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Tulsa wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tulsa wins 0–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Tulsa is more affordable
💼 Tulsa has lower unemployment
📋 Houston vs Tulsa — The Verdict
Tulsa scores 77.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Tulsa has a clear edge with home prices 26% lower. Tulsa may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Tulsa are 26% lower — a difference of $60,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Tulsa saves you $277/month — that's $3,324 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $3,792 more per year (7% higher median income).
📊
Tulsa has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$174,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$958
Median Income
$60,440
$56,648
The affordability gap is significant — Tulsa offers home prices 26% lower than Houston, translating to $60,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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)
12
18 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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)
21
21
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Tulsa: Common Questions
Is Houston or Tulsa cheaper to live in?
Tulsa is more affordable overall. Home prices are $60,800 lower in Tulsa. Monthly rent is $958 in Tulsa vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Tulsa have better weather?
Tulsa scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Tulsa better for finding a job?
Tulsa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Tulsa. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $56,648 in Tulsa.
Which city is safer — Houston or Tulsa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tulsa is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Tulsa. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tulsa.
Should I move from Houston to Tulsa?
Based on our data, Tulsa scores 77.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 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.