Phoenix, Arizona and Tulsa, Oklahoma are two cities with distinct identities. Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the U.S., is known for its sunny desert landscape and is a hub for high-tech industries. Tulsa, the second-largest city of Oklahoma, boasts a vibrant arts scene and offers the traditional warmth and charm of a mid-sized Midwestern city. Both cities offer a unique living and visiting experience with varying opportunities across different aspects of life including crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Tulsa, OK : 931.6 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 295%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Tulsa has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) during that time.
Phoenix has higher crime rates as compared to Tulsa, especially property crime. However, both cities have areas with relatively lower crime rates and are generally safe for tourists with the usual precautions. Law enforcement in both cities is effective and accessible to residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tulsa is significantly lower as compared to Phoenix. On average, housing, food, and healthcare are all cheaper in Tulsa. So, for those looking to relocate, Tulsa might be a more affordable choice.
Income Tax
Oklahoma has a state income tax, ranging from 0.5% to 5%. Arizona's state income tax ranges from 2.59% to 4.54%. This means Phoenix residents generally pay higher income taxes.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are generally lower in Phoenix compared to Tulsa, offering some financial advantages for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Arizona has a higher state and city sales tax than Oklahoma. Phoenix's sales tax is 8.6% while Tulsa's is 8.517%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$51,008
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$33,002
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $58,497 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in Arizona's sun-drenched desert, while Tulsa lies in the heart of Green Country in Northeastern Oklahoma. Phoenix's landscape is defined by flat plains and distant mountains, while Tulsa has rolling hills and bodies of water like the Arkansas River.
Both cities offer a range of good-quality public and private schools. Phoenix boasts a higher number of schools and offers more variety, especially with charter and magnet schools.
Phoenix has a diversified economy with technology, manufacturing, and tourism being major contributors. Tulsa's economy is stronger in energy, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. Salaries are generally higher in Phoenix, although the difference is partly offset by the cost of living.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, major employers include Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. In Tulsa, major employers include Saint Francis Health System, Walmart, and American Airlines. Both cities offer good job opportunities in diverse sectors.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
2020
50.2%
40.9%
48.0%
56.5%
1.8%
2.7%
2016
44.9%
35.6%
47.7%
58.4%
7.5%
6.1%
2012
43.6%
36.3%
54.3%
63.7%
2.1%
0.0%
2008
44.0%
37.8%
54.5%
62.2%
1.5%
0.0%
2004
42.4%
35.6%
57.0%
64.4%
0.6%
0.0%
2000
43.0%
37.3%
53.4%
61.3%
3.6%
1.3%
1996
44.5%
37.1%
47.2%
53.6%
8.2%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
8.1%
4.3%
3.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
14.9%
6.5%
18.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.4%
2.0%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.5%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.8%
1.3%
1.3%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.3%
0.6%
0.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.0%
0.7%
0.6%
0.7%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.0%
0.5%
0.2%
3.1%
Weather
Phoenix is famous for its exceptionally hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, Tulsa has a more varied climate with hot summers, cold winters, and a fair share of rainfall. For those who prefer a desert climate, Phoenix would be more appealing and for those who prefer distinct seasons, Tulsa might be a better fit.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
60.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
73.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
42.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
18.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
21.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
64.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
50%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
Tulsa
Phoenix
Phoenix
Tulsa
Phoenix
Tulsa
2018
156
88
0.38
0.24
15.2
N/A
28.5
28.6
0.004
N/A
34.8
N/A
8.6
11.6
0.6
0.4
2017
120
80
0.41
0.22
15.9
N/A
28.6
29.9
0.004
N/A
34.9
N/A
7.6
10.2
1.4
0.5
2016
114
86
0.44
0.24
15.8
N/A
27.3
29.1
0.005
N/A
30.6
N/A
7.7
9.5
0.4
0.5
2015
102
74
0.46
0.25
17.6
N/A
27.1
28.1
0.004
N/A
26.2
N/A
7.9
8.6
0.9
0.8
2014
117
74
0.46
0.16
19.6
N/A
27.6
29.2
0.005
N/A
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.2
1.1
0.3
2013
130
85
0.43
0.21
19.9
N/A
27.9
29.8
0.005
N/A
35.3
N/A
8.4
10.1
0.9
0.5
2012
157
103
0.44
0.21
21.2
N/A
28.1
32.4
0.007
N/A
41.9
N/A
8.8
11.7
1.3
0.7
2011
203
108
0.47
0.27
20.0
N/A
28.3
33.8
0.005
N/A
41.3
N/A
9.6
13.8
0.9
0.8
2010
100
83
0.48
0.26
19.9
N/A
26.9
30.1
0.004
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.3
12.2
0.9
0.7
2009
108
88
0.52
0.26
20.1
N/A
25.6
29.8
0.004
N/A
38.2
N/A
N/A
12.2
1.8
0.7
2008
106
71
0.48
N/A
21.4
N/A
26.6
26.7
0.007
N/A
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2007
129
77
0.54
0.32
23.5
N/A
25.2
28.8
0.007
N/A
47.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
0.8
2006
131
95
0.66
N/A
25.3
N/A
24.4
32.9
N/A
N/A
50.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
N/A
2005
109
84
0.74
N/A
25.9
N/A
22.2
28.9
N/A
N/A
44.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2004
98
71
0.77
N/A
25.5
N/A
23.4
27.5
N/A
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2003
101
94
0.90
N/A
26.8
N/A
23.7
29.2
N/A
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2002
111
85
0.98
0.83
28.7
7.8
23.6
27.7
N/A
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2001
106
102
1.00
0.75
28.6
14.4
22.3
30.6
N/A
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2000
117
101
1.14
0.69
29.9
15.3
24.6
28.9
N/A
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
277.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
901.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
34%
Transportation
Phoenix has better public transportation and commuting options. The city operates a light rail system which Tulsa lacks. Commuting is generally easier in Phoenix due to its advanced road infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
808
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
35
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Bicycle
0.4%
0.1%
Bus
1.8%
0.1%
Carpooled
12.2%
9%
Car alone
81.8%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Average
28.6 min
23.8 min
Other means
26.4 min
19.2 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
40.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real-estate in Phoenix is more expensive as compared to Tulsa. The housing market in Tulsa is more affordable and has been somewhat more stable.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a variety of neighborhoods to offer, with Phoenix generally being more diverse. Phoenix also has more upscale neighborhoods, while Tulsa offers more of a small-town feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Houses
644,625
194,402
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1975
Median year house/condo built
1983
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
12.9 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
173,943 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
89,307 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
84,636 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$899.30
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$897
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$163,212
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$172,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$247,367
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$496,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$94,964
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$176,274
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$73,235
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$166,906
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$184,309
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$241,263
Median house age
36
49
Renting percentage
42.4%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,064.4
House value disparities
30.8%
41.8%
Household income disparities
43.9%
48.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$84,820
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$57,403
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
855 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
2,464 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
50,494 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
93 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
3,580 (7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Tulsa
One, detached
60.3%
62.9%
One, attached
4.9%
2.8%
Two
1.4%
1.9%
3 or 4
4.4%
5.0%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.8%
10 to 19
5.3%
9.2%
20 to 49
4.1%
4.4%
50 or more
11.3%
5.8%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
13,964
State government workers
30,385
5,897
Unpaid family workers
1,048
284
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix is a hub for high-tech industry, especially semiconductor manufacturing. Tulsa is strong in sectors like energy and aviation. Both cities have a variety of occupations available but their specific strengths might make one city more appealing than the other, depending on your industry.
Phoenix is known for its excellent healthcare services, with nationally recognized hospitals and numerous healthcare facilities. Tulsa also has good healthcare options but with somewhat less diversity as compared to Phoenix.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix's infrastructure is more developed and modern due to its larger size and its role as a growing tech hub. Tulsa, however, has been investing in modernization projects which improve its overall attraction.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Tulsa
Hospitals
48
45
TV stations
22
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
160
Bank institutions located here
41
40
Main business address for public companies
41
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Tulsa
1999
5,846
2,135
2000
4,847
1,531
2001
3,823
1,216
2002
3,472
1,106
2003
5,750
1,243
2004
9,848
1,354
2005
15,879
1,709
2006
18,392
1,756
2007
9,797
1,014
2008
3,130
517
2009
1,614
327
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers a diverse food scene, influenced heavily by Mexican and Native American cultures. Tulsa boasts a rich cultural scene with a deep history in music, especially in jazz and country.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to several major league sports teams, including the NBA's Suns, NFL's Cardinals, MLB's Diamondbacks, and NHL's Coyotes. Tulsa has no major league teams, its highest-profile team is the Tulsa Drillers minor-league baseball team.
Phoenix, AZ
Tulsa, OK
