Cities with the Lowest Rent in Oklahoma (2026)

Tulsa earns its position at #1 through a combination that's hard to replicate. The 89 cost index sits 23 points below the national baseline, and the $58,407 median income means purchasing power here is amplified by the low cost base. Homes list at $212,757 — $254,613 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Housing leads the way at 73, while Healthcare trails at 92 (and that gap widens if you factor in state taxes).

Rent data is sourced from Zillow's Observed Rent Index (ZORI), which tracks the median rent across all active listings — not just new leases. This gives a more representative and stable signal than asking prices alone. Tulsa: $1,207/mo, Oklahoma: $1,255/mo, Norman: $1,289/mo. The cheapest city here is $688 under the national median — that's $8,256/year in savings on rent alone.

That's not nothing.

Keep reading — the next section adds critical context. Here's the state-level backdrop: Oklahoma averages a 93 cost index, $1,356/mo rent, and $68,847 income across 4 cities. That's $539 less than the national rent average. Energy economy and persistently low costs — and that context shapes every city in this ranking.

Bottom line: Tulsa leads this ranking for clear, data-backed reasons — but the "best" city depends on your priorities. Click into any city below to see the full detail page with 12-month trend charts, profession-specific salary data, and a breakdown of all five cost categories. If you're seriously considering a move, use our salary calculator to model your specific income against these numbers.