Data updated Nov 12, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 80)
Oil built Tulsa, but it's not an oil town anymore—finance, aviation, and tech now drive paychecks. American Airlines has a major maintenance hub here, Oneok dominates energy infrastructure, and banks like BOK Financial employ thousands. The two universities (TU and ORU) plus OU/OSU satellite campuses create steady education and research jobs. Salaries run 10–15% below national averages, but so does cost of living, making it genuinely viable for remote workers or those switching to local employment.
Rent for a one-bedroom downtown runs $1,300/month—reasonable for a mid-sized US city, though outer neighborhoods drop to $900–$1,100. You'll need a car; public transit is minimal and unreliable. Healthcare is solid: Saint Francis and Hillcrest are competent regional hospitals. No language barrier (English-speaking US city), but Oklahoma bureaucracy moves slowly—vehicle registration and business licensing require patience. Utilities and groceries are cheap; that's the real win.
Summers hit 95°F regularly; winters are mild. The Arkansas River trails and Philbrook Museum anchor weekends; the art deco architecture is genuinely worth exploring. Food scene is meat-heavy and casual—excellent barbecue, forgettable fine dining. The expat community is tiny (this is America), but young professionals and remote workers are quietly relocating here. Tulsa suits people who want US stability, low cost, and cultural amenities without coastal prices or crowds.
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Tulsa, OK at the budget tier comes to about $1,652 a month for one adult, with $911 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $202 on groceries, $64.00 on dining out, $52.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $378 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$911/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$202/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$64.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$52.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$378/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Tulsa, OK at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,899 a month for one adult, with $911 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $270 on groceries, $160 on dining out, $135 on entertainment and lifestyle, $378 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$911/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$270/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$160/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$135/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$378/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Tulsa, OK at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,558 a month for one adult, with $1,243 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $378 on groceries, $314 on dining out, $200 on entertainment and lifestyle, $378 on utilities and connectivity and $45.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,243/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$378/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$314/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$200/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$378/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$45.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1243.33/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Tulsa, OK's cost of living compares with Albrightsville, PA
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Tulsa is a genuinely safe mid-sized American city with a Safety Index of 72—well above the U.S. average. Day-to-day life feels secure; downtown and midtown neighborhoods are walkable during daylight, though like most U.S. cities, solo nighttime walks aren't advisable in unfamiliar areas. The city's reputation as safe is largely accurate, supported by lower violent crime rates than comparable metros.
Property crime (vehicle theft, burglary) occurs at moderate rates typical for Oklahoma cities; petty theft is uncommon in residential areas. Avoid isolated sections of North Tulsa after dark and exercise standard urban caution in downtown parking areas. Solo female travelers report feeling safe during normal hours; standard precautions (awareness, avoiding isolated spots) apply. Scams are minimal—this isn't a scam hotspot.
Tulsa has stable local governance, reliable police response, and no significant political instability or corruption concerns affecting daily life. As a U.S. city, it offers the legal protections and infrastructure Americans expect. For a 30-65 year-old considering relocation, Tulsa presents a low-risk environment with good walkability, affordable living, and genuine community safety—an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees seeking stability without the crime concerns of larger metros.
Tulsa, OK has a safety index of 48.01/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Tulsa, OK's healthcare compares with Albrightsville, PA
Tulsa has hot, humid summers (June-August) and mild winters with occasional ice storms, offering distinct seasons with spring and fall as pleasant transition periods.
Indices last read Nov 12, 2026.
Tulsa is a vibrant city with growing digital nomad community.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Root Coworking | Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, The Root offers a vibrant community and modern workspace. It's a great option for digital nomads seeking a collaborative environment with various membership options and amenities like private phone booths and a stocked kitchen. |
| 36 Degrees North | Located in the Brady Arts District, 36 Degrees North is a hub for entrepreneurs and startups. It provides a dynamic atmosphere, mentorship opportunities, and resources that can be beneficial for remote workers looking to connect with the local business community. |
| Regus - Tulsa, Warren Place | Located in the Warren Place office complex, this Regus location offers a professional and convenient workspace solution. It's ideal for those seeking a more traditional office environment with flexible terms and access to business services. |
| Venture X Tulsa - Midtown | Located in Midtown Tulsa, Venture X offers a modern and upscale coworking experience. It features high-end amenities, private offices, and a professional atmosphere, making it suitable for established remote workers and entrepreneurs. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Working remotely from Tulsa, OK? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Tulsa, OK's digital nomad life compares with Albrightsville, PA
A hub for the energy industry with a growing remote work population due to 'Tulsa Remote'.
Areas of Tulsa, OK that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Urban, revitalized, entertainment hub
Downtown Tulsa has undergone significant revitalization, offering a mix of modern apartments, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and has some public transit, but can be noisy and expensive. Many young professionals and those seeking an urban lifestyle reside here.
Trendy, walkable, upscale boutiques
Brookside is known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and bars along Peoria Avenue. It's a walkable area with a vibrant nightlife. Housing options are primarily single-family homes and apartments, and it tends to be more expensive than other parts of Tulsa.
Historic, eclectic, artsy district
Cherry Street boasts a historic charm with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a walkable area with a strong sense of community. Housing options include historic homes and apartments. Parking can be challenging.
Residential, diverse, central location
Midtown is a large, diverse area with a mix of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments. It's centrally located, making it easy to access other parts of Tulsa. While generally safe, some pockets may have higher crime rates.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1243/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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