RentData

Average Rent in Tulsa, OK Rents rising 4.5% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in OK

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,026,209

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Tulsa, OK has rental prices ranging from $890/month to $1,796/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $950/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,823/year, spending $950/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tulsa Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,179/month, Tulsa ranks #2 most expensive of the 70 cities tracked in Oklahoma — pricier than 81% of all US cities in our data.

The Tulsa Rental Market

The Tulsa, OK area has a population of about 1,026,209 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Tulsa, OK have risen by $51/month (4.5%) over the past year, from $1,128 to $1,179. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Tulsa, OK without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,000. The local median household income of $67,823 exceeds that threshold by $29,823, making Tulsa relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Tulsa, OK is $221,628, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Tulsa's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Willow Creek ($78,028 median home value), Springdale ($79,048 median home value), Carriage Trail ($87,722 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$890
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$950
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,179
4.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,555
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,796
Average
🔔
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Median Home Value
$221,628
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,180/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Tulsa, OK Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$47,160/year
Local median income: $67,823
To buy a median home
$47,184/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,179/month and 20% down on a $221,628 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OKlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Oklahoma City$886$961$1,180$1,575
Lawton$745$750$962$1,348
Payne County$767$822$1,014$1,421
Pottawatomie County$642$713$936$1,242
Muskogee County$707$712$934$1,170
Garfield County$493$581$768$1,083

Rent or Buy in Tulsa?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Tulsa data

$
Home Value
$221,628
2BR Rent
$1,179/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,180/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,632/movs rent: $1,179/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $221,628 home at 7% rate

20% — $44,326
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,180
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$177,302
Total Paid
$424,655
Total Interest
$247,353
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Tulsa

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Tulsa

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Tulsa

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Tulsa

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OK

See how Tulsa ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Tulsa

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋OK Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections