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City Report · OK

Tulsa

Pop. 413,794·24th most expensive in Oklahoma·Tulsa rents are up 8.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,272/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.1%
Month-over-Month
+1.5%
vs US Median
-$693
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Tulsa · $1,272
More affordable than 89% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
52/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Tulsa's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,272/mo
Expected by trend
$1,285/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Tulsa's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$909
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,205
3 BR
$1,591
4 BR+
$1,838
Research median
$1,205/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$15,264/yr
At $1,272/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.1% YoY, +1.5% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

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Demographics

Who lives here

Tulsa, OK is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 33.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
413,794
Median income
$59,838
Median age
35.6
Renters
48.1%
Age distribution
24.1%
25.1%
24.5%
15.3%
Under 1824.1%
18–3425.1%
35–5424.5%
55–6411%
65+15.3%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
54.4%
14%
19.8%
White54.4%
Black14%
Hispanic19.8%
Asian3.5%
Other8.3%
Education (25+)
12.4%
24.9%
29.1%
33.6%
No HS diploma12.4%
HS diploma24.9%
Some college29.1%
Bachelor's+33.6%
Housing tenure
51.9%
48.1%
Owner51.9%
Renter48.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Tulsa, OK has changed in 5 years

Rent
$931 → $1,272
up 36.6%
Income
$52,438 → $59,838
up 14.1%
Population
410,652 → 413,794
up 0.8%
Renter share
47.6% → 48.1%
+0.5 pts
Bachelor's+
32.4% → 33.6%
+1.2 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Tulsa, OK has shifted from $931 to $1,272, up 36.6% since 2021. On the earnings side, the typical household in Tulsa, OK now reports about $59,838, up from $52,438 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Tulsa, OK reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Tulsa rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Tulsa on your salary?

At $1,272/mo, how Tulsa rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Tulsa rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Tulsa. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Tulsa

About renting in Tulsa, OK

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Tulsa is $1,272/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $909/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,205/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $970/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,591/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($59,838/yr), Tulsa ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Tulsa an affordable city for renters?

Tulsa is considered affordable for renters. At $1,272/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($59,838/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Tulsa falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Tulsa?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $51,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,272/mo in Tulsa. The local median household income is $59,838/yr, meaning the typical Tulsa household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Tulsa?

Rent in Tulsa has increased 8.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Tulsa neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Tulsa are 74136 ($878/mo), 74145 ($1,057/mo), and 74110 ($1,101/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Tulsa is $1,272/mo.

How does Tulsa rent compare to other cities in Oklahoma?

Tulsa is middle-of-the-pack for Oklahoma for rent, ranking #24 out of 38 tracked cities at $1,272/mo.

What percentage of Tulsa residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 48.1% of Tulsa households are renters, while 51.9% are owner-occupied. Tulsa leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Tulsa rent compare to the national average?

Tulsa's median rent of $1,272/mo is $693 (35%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Oklahoma, it ranks #24 out of 38 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,272/mo, rent takes ~26% of Tulsa's median household income ($59,838/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Tulsa 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax0.25–4.75%
Run the Tulsa affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Tulsa, OK

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