Is it a big city with a small-town feel, or a small town with a big-city feel? I guess it depends where you look. Driving down country roads towards the opulent oil-funded towers and mansions of downtown will make your small town feel like the big city. Then, heading out to the southern suburbs of porch-dwelling Okies will renew those fuzzy-small-town-feelings with picnics in the park and slow rolling creeks and rivers.
One distinct feature of the city is how easy it is to find distinct types of neighborhoods within a block or two of each other
Is it a big city with a small-town feel, or a small town with a big-city feel? I guess it depends where you look. Driving down country roads towards the opulent oil-funded towers and mansions of downtown will make your small town feel like the big city. Then, heading out to the southern suburbs of porch-dwelling Okies will renew those fuzzy-small-town-feelings with picnics in the park and slow rolling creeks and rivers.
One distinct feature of the city is how easy it is to find distinct types of neighborhoods within a block or two of each other. There are the good ol’ wide open spaces of southern ranch land, sprawling green suburbs, and a growing urban core of modern, big city folk. If you're renting, you'll have lots of different types of apartments to choose from, but keep in mind that it's rare to find an all-bills-paid lease agreement here. So be sure to consider how much gas and electricity will run you, especially in the summer months.
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
On average, expect to pay around $951 per month for a studio apartment in Tulsa.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tulsa is approximately $1,060 per month.
In Tulsa, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,283 per month.
A 3-bedroom apartment in Tulsa will cost, on average, $1,770 per month.
Tulsa is one of those southland cities where you have to have a car. Traffic is usually not too bad if you stick to the highways. Unfortunately, Tulsa is infamous for its badly maintained roads. Car maintenance costs can be a big drain on your budget if you don't pay attention to how many potholes you will be driving over every day.
In addition to driving, here are some other transport options in the city:
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Tulsa Transit: The city's public bus system, Tulsa Transit, operates fixed routes and paratransit services across Tulsa and reaches nearby areas like Jenks, Sand Springs, and Broken Arrow. It's a budget-friendly option, with various passes and mobile app features for easy fare management.
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Aero BRT: For faster commutes on a key corridor, Tulsa offers the Aero Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This line provides frequent service (around every 15-20 minutes) along Peoria Avenue and connects to downtown Tulsa.
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Biking and Walking: While Tulsa isn't as walkable as some other cities, there are efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure, especially in the core areas. Additionally, the Tulsa Trails system offers a network of paved trails for biking, jogging, or exploring green spaces.
Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Tulsa can feel overwhelming, but don't despair! While the city boasts a vibrant mix of cultures and energy, pet policies can vary significantly.
- Weight & breed restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight or breed limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
- Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
The good news? Major rental listing websites like Apartment List allow filtering by pet-friendliness. Simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search.
Still have questions about renting in [City]? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income, and taking the current (April 2024) median rate of $850 a month for a one-bedroom in Tulsa, we estimate you would need to earn around $35,000 a year to live in the city.
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Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to the national average, Tulsa offers a significantly lower cost of living. This applies to housing, transportation, and general expenses, making it easier to stretch your dollar.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: The city fosters a supportive environment for small businesses and startups. This can be attractive to those seeking career opportunities or wanting to launch their own ventures.
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Outdoor Recreation: Despite being a city, Tulsa offers plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, or fishing at various parks, lakes, and trails within the city or nearby.
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Strong Sense of Community: Tulsa is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Residents often find a strong sense of community and belonging in their neighborhoods.
Tulsa was famous in the past as an oil town; today, Tulsa has successfully diversified its economy, and it now boasts a strong presence in aerospace, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, attracting businesses and professionals. Also, the downtown area has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. This includes new shops, restaurants, entertainment options, and a more walkable environment, making it a hub of activity and attracting residents who enjoy an urban lifestyle. Furthermore, compared to other major cities, Tulsa offers a significantly lower cost of living.
As mentioned before, there are a variety of neighborhoods around Tulsa.
Downtown. Living here, you’ll pay top dollar for high-rise condos, apartments and lofts that overlook the beautiful Art Deco architecture of downtown. Stroll through the swanky old mansions and high rises of wealthy oilmen from the roaring twenties and catch live shows at Cain’s Ball Room, The Old Lady on Brady, or Greenwood’s annual jazz festival.
Uptown. Live here if you want to be a stone’s throw away from downtown, but don’t want to pay those upscale prices. The SoBo (South Boston) bar district is a favorite among Uptown residents, who enjoy their city life with views of the downtown skyline and the Arkansas River.
Midtown. It is the beautiful parks that make life so sweet here in the heart of the city. There’s Woodward Park, known for its azaleas and gardens that attract photographers and picnic-ers alike. Other parks include Swan Lake, Zink Park, Darlington Park, and Whiteside Park. Shoppers can delight in the Utica Square, an upscale shopping center, or stroll through the Cherry Street neighborhood for antique, boutique, and vintage shops, as well as a number of art galleries.
East. This area is mostly residential and extremely affordable. The best neighborhoods are located far, far east just inside the city limits. Just drive down the Broken Arrow Expressway past Mingo for pleasant streets, complete with soccer fields, parks, shopping, and plenty of local and diverse eats.
West. Located on the west banks of the Arkansas River, this area boasts the Riverwest Festival Park, complete with a floating stage amphitheater set against the downtown Tulsa skyline. This area is also proud to host the local Oktoberfest, one of the largest in America. All hail polka, beer and sausage! Like the east side, neighborhoods get better as you drive towards the city limits, however there are some secret sweet spots in the Jenks and Bixby neighborhoods. As you leave the banks of Tulsa's urban core, huge oil refineries and a large industrial areas give way to woodsy, walkable neighborhoods with tons of character. $
South. South of 61st St., you find a world of easy-going country suburb life, complete with high school football fever, golf courses, plenty of churches, and, get this, the largest antique fishing collection in world. A little further south, you will find the Southern Hills neighborhood, home to the strikingly futuristic Oral Roberts University. This neighborhood is centered around the exclusive Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted numerous golf championships, including four U.S. Opens.
High humidity and high temperatures make for an extremely high mold count in the warmer months. Beware of the allergy season for mold if you are allergic, and, as always, we recommend taking the necessary steps to make sure you will be able to breathe.
