FIRE in Tulsa, OK
Local insight: What makes this city unique for FIRE isn't obvious from census data alone. After running detailed cost analysis and factoring in local tax quirks, healthcare variability, and housing market dynamics, I've found the standard FIRE formulas need significant adjustment for local conditions.
Tulsa has perhaps America's best FIRE math and a unique advantage: the Tulsa Remote program pays $10,000 to relocate. Median homes ~$200K in a city with real cultural amenities.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (1BR) | $900 |
| Food | $370 |
| Transportation | $270 |
| Healthcare | $390 |
| Utilities | $190 |
| Entertainment | $260 |
| Total | $2,380 |
Median home: $200,000. FIRE Number: $714,000 (Lean), $1,000,000 (Traditional). OK tax up to 4.5% (top rate).
Tax Reality
OK flat 4.5% income tax (HB 1956). No local income tax. Property tax ~0.9%. Sales tax 8.5%.
Local Considerations
Tulsa Remote pays $10K to relocate. Very low COL is a prime example of geo-arbitrage in action. Gathering Place is a world-class free park. Oil/gas salaries. Growing arts scene.
Neighborhood Breakdown
| Neighborhood | 1BR Rent | Median Home | Walk Score | Transit Score | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Street / Pearl | $1,000-1,300 | $240-340K | 55 | 10 | Walkable dining historic artsy |
| Brookside | $1,100-1,400 | $280-380K | 50 | 10 | Family local shops established |
| Jenks / Broken Arrow | $1,100-1,400 | $260-350K | 20 | 5 | Best value good schools commute |
| Maple Ridge / Midtown | $1,000-1,400 | $280-380K | 40 | 10 | Historic homes trees central |
Cost data from Zillow Rental Market Report (Q1 2026) and Redfin Data Center. Tax rates from official state Department of Revenue publications for 2026.