Both Tulsa, OK and Arlington, TX are dynamic cities offering unique opportunities and experiences. Tulsa, nestled in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, offers a lower cost of living, moderate climate, and a rich cultural history. Arlington, situated halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, is home to world-renowned sports arenas, a thriving job market, and boasts some attractive neighborhoods. Each has its merits, and the right choice largely depends on individual preferences concerning lifestyle, employment and recreational offerings.
Distance between
Tulsa, OK and
Arlington, TX : 246.2 miles
Tulsa's population is larger by 5%. Its population has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) since 2000. The population of Arlington has grown by 59,817 people (18.0%) during that time.
Both Tulsa and Arlington have higher crime rates than the national average, although Tulsa shows slightly higher rates. However, crime is typically localized and does vary across different neighborhoods. The key here is to carry out detailed research on the specific areas of interest. Both cities have proactive local law enforcement agencies implementing strategies for crime reduction. Tourists mostly remain safe by sticking to the main tourist areas.
Cost of Living
Tulsa tends to have a lower cost of living compared to Arlington. This is mostly seen in housing and general goods and services. However, a lower cost of living may correspond to lower average salaries, which is something to consider when assessing overall affordability. Visitors will likely find Tulsa slightly cheaper in terms of accommodation, dining, and shopping.
Income Tax
Oklahoma state income tax ranges from 0.5% to 5%, depending on your income bracket. Texas, however, has no state income tax, which may be a significant consideration for those considering a move.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Texas tend to be higher than in Oklahoma. This means that homeowners in Arlington might see larger property tax bills compared to homeowners in Tulsa.
Sales Tax
Arlington has a lower combined city-state sales tax rate at 8.25% compared to Tulsa's combined rate of 8.517%.
Income
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Estimated median household income
$51,008
$59,889
Estimated per capita income
$33,002
$31,722
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
86.5
95.9
If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $55,434 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Tulsa is situated on the Arkansas River and has a varied landscape with hills, lakes, and woods. Arlington is located in the flat prairie landscape and has a network of parks and lakes within the city.
Both Tulsa and Arlington have a mix of established public and private schools. Tulsa is home to the University of Tulsa while Arlington houses University of Texas, Arlington. Both cities therefore provide good higher education opportunities. The school systems in both cities are quite diverse, offering various programs and resources for students.
Arlington's job market is more robust compared to Tulsa. It is part of the robust Dallas-Fort Worth economic corridor and hosts diverse industries including technology, healthcare, and logistics. Tulsa's economy is steadier, with emphasis on energy, aviation, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
In Tulsa, the largest employers are the American Airlines Maintenance Base, Saint Francis Health System, and Wal-Mart. Meanwhile, Arlington hosts General Motors, University of Texas at Arlington, and the Texas Health Resources.
There were 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011) compared to 976 building permits issued in Arlington in 2012 (744 more than in 2011).
In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Arlington (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
2020
40.9%
49.3%
56.5%
49.1%
2.7%
1.6%
2016
35.6%
43.2%
58.4%
51.8%
6.1%
5.0%
2012
36.3%
41.4%
63.7%
57.1%
0.0%
1.4%
2008
37.8%
43.8%
62.2%
55.5%
0.0%
0.7%
2004
35.6%
37.0%
64.4%
62.5%
0.0%
0.5%
2000
37.3%
36.9%
61.3%
60.9%
1.3%
2.3%
1996
37.1%
41.6%
53.6%
50.9%
9.3%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.9%
17.3%
18.6%
33.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.1%
11.1%
3.1%
1.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.3%
0.8%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
0.7%
0.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.2%
0.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
2.2%
0.7%
0.9%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.5%
0.0%
3.1%
0.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.1%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.5%
0.1%
Weather
Tulsa experiences a humid subtropical climate with relatively mild winters and hot summers. Tornadoes is a risk due to its location in Tornado Alley. Arlington experiences a similar weather pattern, but typically with less severe weather events. Both cities have periods of extreme heat during the summer, which is something to consider for those sensitive to high temperatures.
Weather and climate
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Temperature - Average
60.4°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.8%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.1 in
37.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
18.4 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
21.1%
22.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
64.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Average climate in Arlington, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Tulsa
Arlington
Tulsa
Arlington
2018
88
86
0.24
N/A
N/A
5.8
28.6
27.1
0.004
N/A
11.6
9.4
0.4
0.4
2017
80
86
0.22
N/A
N/A
6.2
29.9
27.2
0.004
N/A
10.2
9.1
0.5
0.3
2016
86
76
0.24
N/A
N/A
6.3
29.1
25.5
0.005
N/A
9.5
8.2
0.5
0.2
2015
74
80
0.25
N/A
N/A
6.5
28.1
24.8
0.004
N/A
8.6
8.6
0.8
0.3
2014
74
78
0.16
0.22
N/A
6.8
29.2
26.6
0.005
N/A
9.2
9.3
0.3
0.3
2013
85
96
0.21
0.25
N/A
6.4
29.8
27.2
0.005
N/A
10.1
11.0
0.5
0.2
2012
103
108
0.21
0.26
N/A
7.8
32.4
30.3
0.007
N/A
11.7
10.5
0.7
0.3
2011
108
96
0.27
0.23
N/A
8.2
33.8
30.7
0.005
N/A
13.8
9.5
0.8
0.6
2010
83
76
0.26
0.23
N/A
8.9
30.1
27.7
0.004
N/A
12.2
8.4
0.7
0.7
2009
88
91
0.26
0.25
N/A
8.7
29.8
29.5
0.004
N/A
12.2
8.5
0.7
0.5
2008
71
92
N/A
0.25
N/A
9.6
26.7
25.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.5
2007
77
95
0.32
0.30
N/A
10.6
28.8
24.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
9.8
0.8
0.5
2006
95
102
N/A
0.34
N/A
10.4
32.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.8
2005
84
110
N/A
0.34
N/A
11.7
28.9
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
1.0
2004
71
90
N/A
0.39
N/A
10.8
27.5
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2003
94
97
N/A
0.40
N/A
11.1
29.2
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2002
85
97
0.83
0.37
7.8
11.8
27.7
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2001
102
88
0.75
0.48
14.4
14.7
30.6
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2000
101
104
0.69
0.55
15.3
14.5
28.9
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
277.6%
254.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
901.9%
558.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
34%
23%
Transportation
Tulsa has been working on improving its public transit system, while Arlington has faced criticism for its lack of a comprehensive public transit system, and tends to be more car-dependent.
Transport
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
808
362
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
35
5
Means of transportation to work
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Bicycle
0.1%
0.2%
Bus
0.1%
0%
Carpooled
9%
11.9%
Car alone
87.9%
85%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Average
23.8 min
26.1 min
Other means
19.2 min
27.6 min
Public transportation
40.1 min
45.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.7%
7.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.5%
2.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Tulsa real estate tends to be more affordable with a variety of housing options. In contrast, Arlington real estate is somewhat pricier, with the city offering a mix of suburban and urban living arrangements.
Neighborhoods
Tulsa's Brookside and Cherry Street areas are known for vibrant nightlife, boutiques, and entertainment. Arlington's neighborhoods, such as Dalworthington Gardens, offer a unique blend of suburban and urban living with proximity to amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Houses
194,402
156,653
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.7
Median year apartment built
1975
1983
Median year house/condo built
1969
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.9 years
13 years
Houses occupied
173,943 (89.5%)
146,888 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
89,307 (51.3%)
78,883 (53.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
84,636 (48.7%)
68,005 (46.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$899.30
$1,609
Median monthly housing costs
$897
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$163,212
$199,415
Estimated median house or condo value
$172,000
$254,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$247,367
$265,594
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$496,968
$415,006
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$94,964
$224,044
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$176,274
$131,545
Median house price - mobile homes
$73,235
$92,300
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$166,906
$23,762
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$184,309
$171,140
Median house price - All housing units
$241,263
$259,527
Median house age
49
37
Renting percentage
46.5%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,064.4
1,634.9
House value disparities
41.8%
25%
Household income disparities
48.1%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$84,820
$97,883
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$57,403
$67,452
Housing units without a mortgage
855 (1.7%)
948 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,464 (4.8%)
1,684 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
50,494 (98.3%)
46,456 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
93 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,580 (7%)
1,967 (4.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.9%
1.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.7%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Tulsa
Arlington
One, detached
62.9%
60.2%
One, attached
2.8%
10.8%
Two
1.9%
1.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
4.3%
5 to 9
6.8%
5.7%
10 to 19
9.2%
7.7%
20 to 49
4.4%
3.3%
50 or more
5.8%
5.2%
Mobile homes
1.1%
1.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,964
10,953
State government workers
5,897
6,771
Unpaid family workers
284
396
Industries and Occupations
The energy industry dominates Tulsa with a presence of numerous oil and gas firms. In Arlington, the economy is more diversified, with healthcare, education, and social services being the top industries. Tourists visiting either city will find a variety of job exposure and networking opportunities.
Arlington is home to Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the region. In contrast, Tulsa hosts Saint Francis Health System, a highly esteemed institution providing an extensive range of healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Tulsa has an extensive infrastructure system with modern highways, bridges, and a growing public transit system. Similarly, Arlington's infrastructure is well-established, with a greater emphasis on freeway systems as a part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Type
Tulsa
Arlington
Hospitals
45
39
TV stations
20
25
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
160
74
Bank institutions located here
40
23
Main business address for public companies
27
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Tulsa
Arlington
1999
2,135
1,768
2000
1,531
1,198
2001
1,216
1,140
2002
1,106
847
2003
1,243
1,216
2004
1,354
1,504
2005
1,709
2,158
2006
1,756
2,107
2007
1,014
1,390
2008
517
558
2009
327
235
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultural scenes, with Tulsa's reflecting its Native American and Western heritage. Both cities boast great food scenes, but Arlington, with its Tex-Mex influence, slightly edges out Tulsa.
Sports Teams
When it comes to major professional sports, Arlington shines. It's home to the Texas Rangers (MLB) and Dallas Cowboys (NFL). Tulsa, on the other hand, has minor league baseball and hockey teams, but no major professional sports teams.
Tulsa, OK
Arlington, TX
