Fayetteville vs Tulsa: Cost of Living Comparison
Fayetteville and Tulsa are neighbors in the Ozarks region, connected by a two-hour drive on the turnpike. Fayetteville anchors Northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, creating a unique concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters that drives surprisingly high salaries relative to the area's low cost of living. Tulsa is larger and more urban, with a revitalized arts district, the Tulsa Remote program attracting remote workers, and an energy sector in transition. Both cities are incredibly affordable, but Fayetteville's rapid growth has begun to push its housing costs above Tulsa's.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Fayetteville | Tulsa | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 88 | 91 | Fayetteville |
| Housing | 73 | 72 | Tulsa |
| Groceries | 93 | 96 | Fayetteville |
| Transportation | 93 | 98 | Fayetteville |
| Utilities | 93 | 99 | Fayetteville |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Fayetteville vs Tulsa
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Fayetteville are worth in Tulsa - and vice versa.
| Salary in Fayetteville | Equivalent in Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,705 | +$1,705 |
| $75,000 | $77,557 | +$2,557 |
| $100,000 | $103,409 | +$3,409 |
| $150,000 | $155,114 | +$5,114 |
Tulsa is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Tulsa wins): Housing is 1% more expensive in Fayetteville than Tulsa. Fayetteville has a housing index of 73 vs 72. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Fayetteville wins): Grocery costs in Fayetteville (index 93) are lower than Tulsa (index 96). Both cities are at or below the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Fayetteville wins): Transportation costs index 93 in Fayetteville vs 98 in Tulsa. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Fayetteville wins): Utilities cost less in Fayetteville (index 93) than Tulsa (index 99). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
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FAQ - Fayetteville vs Tulsa Cost of Living
Is Fayetteville or Tulsa more expensive to live in?
Tulsa is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 91 compared to 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Fayetteville costs 1 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Fayetteville vs Tulsa?
Housing in Fayetteville has an index of 73 compared to 72 in Tulsa. That's 1% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Fayetteville worth in Tulsa?
A $100,000 salary in Fayetteville is equivalent to approximately $103,409 in Tulsa. This means you would need to earn more in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Fayetteville or Tulsa?
Groceries are cheaper in Fayetteville, with an index of 93 compared to 96 in Tulsa. The national average is 100, so both cities are below the national average.
Should I move from Fayetteville to Tulsa to save money?
Tulsa is actually more expensive than Fayetteville overall, with an index 3 points higher. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.