Columbus, OH and Tulsa, OK each offer unique opportunities and amenities, making both cities appealing to different groups of people. Columbus is a thriving Midwestern metropolis known for its college-town vibe and strong economy, while Tulsa is a more laid-back city with a robust oil and gas industry and a rich cultural scene. Both cities have their pros and cons ranging from cost of living to tax systems and from education to health care. This analysis will provide an in-depth comparison of the two cities based on a wide array of elements.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Tulsa, OK : 752.1 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 120%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Tulsa has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) during that time.
Although neither Columbus nor Tulsa are crime-free, data suggests that Tulsa has a higher overall crime rate compared to Columbus. Both cities have been implementing various strategies to combat crime and improve public safety. In the case of Columbus, the city has been focusing on community policing and technology advancements. Tulsa, on the other hand, has been pushing for increased police presence and cooperation with community leaders and organizations.
Cost of Living
Tulsa tends to have a lower cost of living than Columbus. Everything from housing to groceries tends to be more affordable. Tulsa's cost of living might be a selling point for individuals or families considering migrating.
Income Tax
When it comes to income tax, Ohio residents, including those in Columbus, will pay state and possibly local income taxes. Oklahoma residents also pay state income tax, but local income taxes are less common.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Columbus are higher than those in Tulsa, which may influence your decision if you plan to buy a home. However, considering the higher cost of homes in Columbus, this may not be a surprise.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, you'll find higher rates in Tulsa, OK, than in Columbus, OH. The combined state and city sales tax rate in Tulsa is approximately 8.52%, while in Columbus it's around 7.5%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$51,008
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$33,002
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $55,549 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
In terms of geography, Columbus is generally flat with a few rolling hills, making it quite accessible for outdoor activities. Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River, offers a unique geographical mix of the Great Plains and the Ozark Plateau, offering more varied terrain and natural beauty.
Columbus has a well-respected education system, with multiple quality school districts and a host of higher education institutions, including the renowned The Ohio State University. Tulsa also has strong school systems and universities including the University of Tulsa, but it doesn't have as diverse an array of educational offerings as Columbus.
Economically, both cities are in good shape but have different strengths. Columbus has a diverse economy with strengths in education, health care, finance, and government, owing to state capital status. Tulsa's economy is more based around the energy sector, especially oil and gas, although it has also diversified into sectors like finance and telecommunications.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, the biggest employers are The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, and Nationwide Insurance. In Tulsa, the oil and gas industry dominates, with companies like ONEOK and Williams Companies providing a large number of jobs.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
2020
64.7%
40.9%
33.4%
56.5%
1.9%
2.7%
2016
59.8%
35.6%
33.9%
58.4%
6.2%
6.1%
2012
60.8%
36.3%
37.9%
63.7%
1.3%
0.0%
2008
59.8%
37.8%
39.0%
62.2%
1.2%
0.0%
2004
54.5%
35.6%
45.2%
64.4%
0.3%
0.0%
2000
48.9%
37.3%
47.9%
61.3%
3.2%
1.3%
1996
48.1%
37.1%
44.5%
53.6%
7.3%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
8.1%
5.6%
3.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
0.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
14.9%
6.8%
18.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.5%
1.9%
0.7%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.3%
3.3%
0.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.3%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.7%
1.0%
1.2%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.1%
0.5%
1.8%
3.1%
Weather
Weatherwise, Columbus experiences 4 typical seasons with a sometimes harsh winter. On the other hand, Tulsa has a warmer, more humid subtropical climate with high summer temperatures and mild winters. Both cities experience occasional severe weather, with winter storms in Columbus and tornadoes in Tulsa.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
60.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
73.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
42.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
18.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
21.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
64.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
Tulsa
Columbus
Columbus
Tulsa
Columbus
Tulsa
2018
69
88
0.11
0.24
10.0
N/A
33.8
28.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
11.6
0.0
0.4
2017
68
80
0.16
0.22
9.6
N/A
28.7
29.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
10.2
0.1
0.5
2016
76
86
0.17
0.24
10.6
N/A
28.5
29.1
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
9.5
0.1
0.5
2015
74
74
0.16
0.25
11.3
N/A
27.0
28.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.1
8.6
0.1
0.8
2014
82
74
0.20
0.16
11.0
N/A
28.5
29.2
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
9.2
0.5
0.3
2013
78
85
N/A
0.21
8.9
N/A
29.6
29.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
10.1
0.6
0.5
2012
87
103
N/A
0.21
N/A
N/A
32.9
32.4
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
11.7
N/A
0.7
2011
89
108
N/A
0.27
N/A
N/A
28.1
33.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
13.8
N/A
0.8
2010
90
83
N/A
0.26
N/A
N/A
30.5
30.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
12.2
N/A
0.7
2009
61
88
N/A
0.26
N/A
N/A
28.7
29.8
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
0.7
2008
65
71
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
26.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2007
80
77
N/A
0.32
N/A
N/A
30.8
28.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
0.8
2006
75
95
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.0
32.9
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
N/A
2005
87
84
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.6
28.9
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2004
77
71
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.8
27.5
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
2003
91
94
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
29.2
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2002
93
85
N/A
0.83
N/A
7.8
31.3
27.7
N/A
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2001
84
102
N/A
0.75
N/A
14.4
29.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
101
N/A
0.69
N/A
15.3
N/A
28.9
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
277.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
901.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
34%
Transportation
Public transportation and commuting are more efficient in Columbus, which benefits from an extensive public transit system and less traffic due to its radial layout. Tulsa has less developed public transportation, but it gains points for less traffic congestion.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
808
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
35
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
0.1%
Carpooled
7.4%
9%
Car alone
86.7%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Average
26.1 min
23.8 min
Other means
21.7 min
19.2 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
40.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is generally less expensive in Tulsa compared to Columbus. However, Columbus offers a more diverse range of housing opportunities, from urban condos and single-family houses to suburban mansions. Both cities have steady real estate markets.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Columbus neighborhoods range from the youthful and hip Short North to the family-friendly Clintonville. In Tulsa, you'll find the historic and trendy Brookside and the upscale Southern Hills.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Houses
422,120
194,402
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1975
Median year house/condo built
1977
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.9 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
173,943 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
89,307 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
84,636 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$899.30
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$897
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$163,212
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$172,000
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$247,367
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$496,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$94,964
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$176,274
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$73,235
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$27,006
$166,906
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$184,309
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$241,263
Median house age
42
49
Renting percentage
53%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,064.4
House value disparities
30.2%
41.8%
Household income disparities
42.4%
48.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$84,820
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$57,403
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
855 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
2,464 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
50,494 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
93 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
3,580 (7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Tulsa
One, detached
45.8%
62.9%
One, attached
9.1%
2.8%
Two
4.0%
1.9%
3 or 4
8.6%
5.0%
5 to 9
11.8%
6.8%
10 to 19
8.6%
9.2%
20 to 49
4.5%
4.4%
50 or more
6.8%
5.8%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
13,964
State government workers
31,881
5,897
Unpaid family workers
724
284
Industries and Occupations
Columbus's industries and occupations are quite diverse, with a high percentage of white-collar jobs and a strong presence of higher education and government-related jobs. Tulsa, by contrast, has a stronger blue-collar job base, with the oil and gas industry playing a significant role.
Health care services in Columbus are bolstered by numerous top-rated hospitals and health systems. This includes the nationally recognized Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. Tulsa has several commendable health institutions as well, including the Saint Francis Health System and the Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus offers modern infrastructure with a good network of roads, public transportation, and a significant airport. Tulsa also has respectable infrastructure, but it's a smaller city and the public transportation system is not as comprehensive as in Columbus.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Tulsa
Hospitals
47
45
TV stations
14
20
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
160
Bank institutions located here
25
40
Main business address for public companies
23
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Tulsa
1999
2,450
2,135
2000
2,376
1,531
2001
1,897
1,216
2002
1,483
1,106
2003
2,087
1,243
2004
3,216
1,354
2005
4,275
1,709
2006
4,662
1,756
2007
2,679
1,014
2008
1,015
517
2009
555
327
Culture and Food
When it comes to culture and food, both cities have a lot to offer. Columbus offers a diverse mix of cultural institutions and a burgeoning food scene, driven by its large millennial population. Meanwhile, Tulsa is known for its delicious barbecue, rich Native American culture, and vibrant arts scene.
Sports Teams
Columbus is home to several professional sports teams, including the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the MLS team Columbus Crew. Tulsa, does not host any major league sports teams, but it does have minor league teams like the Tulsa Drillers.
Columbus, OH
Tulsa, OK
