Voted One of the Nation's Most Livable Cities. Recently Tulsa was selected as one of America's Most Livable Communities by the Partners for Livable Communities. Why? Because citizens in our region enjoy unsurpassed beauty, a well-educated and talented workforce, cultural diversity and a pro-business environment. Tulsa has the second shortest commute time in the nation, ranks 15th in the nation for the highest rate of high school graduation and Tulsa's cost of living is below the national average while the County per capita income is above the national average.
Family Wise.Tulsa has been described as one of the best cities in the nation in which to raise a family because of its outstanding schools, rising economy and low cost of living. State-of-the-art health care institutions, major shopping centers, world-class restaurants and beautiful churches dot the metropolitan area.
Low Cost of Living. A Factor in Placing Tulsa Among the Most Livable Cities in the United States! The fact that Tulsa ranks as one of the nations’ most livable cities is a great point of pride for its citizens.
Compare Tulsa’s cost of living with other major cities in this marketing area and you will be pleasantly surprised. You might find that the cost of those things that really matter - such as housing, utilities and healthcare - are significantly lower than they are in other major cities offering similar amenities.
As shown below, Tulsa’s cost of living composite index is 7 percent below the national average.
|
Composite Index |
Cost of Housing |
Utilities |
Healthcare |
| TULSA, OK |
93.0 %
|
81.5% |
94.4% |
89.5% |
| CHICAGO, IL |
128.1% |
172.4% |
109.3% |
136.3% |
| CLEVELAND, OH |
102.8% |
100.1% |
109.4% |
107.5% |
| DALLAS, TX |
96.8% |
91.3% |
94.0% |
99.4% |
| DENVER, CO |
104.8% |
110.6% |
90.6% |
118.4% |
| HOUSTON, TX |
91.6% |
79.2% |
104.3% |
103.3% |
| KANSAS CITY |
95.5% |
86.8% |
96.6% |
100.4% |
| LAREDO, TX |
85.0% |
83.4% |
84.5% |
91.5% |
| MEMPHIS, TN |
90.7% |
84.4% |
88.0% |
90.7% |
| NEW ORLEANS, LA |
97.0% |
93.5% |
112.4% |
88.1% |
| OMAHA, NE |
91.4% |
84.7% |
104.5% |
96.2% |
| ST. LOUIS, MO |
101.3% |
99.1% |
90.9% |
96.7% |
A Cultured Pearl. When Tulsa was the oil capital of the world back in the early 20th century, many of the city's philanthropists helped Tulsa become one of the most culturally diverse locations in the central United States. Cultural amenities include several nationally-recognized museums including Philbrook Museum of Art, a new aquarium, more than a dozen theater companies, a first class zoo, numerous parks, a system of jogging trails that nearly rings the city, and notable musical events such as opera, ballet and a philharmonic. Recreational activities range from professional baseball, hockey and horse racing to amusement parks. Ground is about to be broken for a new arena, which will be large enough accommodate major-league sports teams and national conventions.
In addition, Oklahoma was part of Indian Territory until it became a state in 1907. Native American traditions and historical sites abound throughout the Tulsa area. Most notable is the expansive Gilcrease Museum which houses some of the greatest examples of Native American artifacts and historical records in the nation.
Outstanding Outdoors. One of Tulsa's greatest assets is its beautiful scenery. From the sparkling Arkansas River that runs through the city to lovely nature trails and peaceful tree-lined boulevards, Tulsa is a sight to behold. And various seasonal and ethnic festivals such as Mayfest, Oktoberfest, and the annual Greek festival to name a few, take place throughout any given year, bringing thousands of citizens and tourists outside into the clean Tulsa air.
Like to be near the water? Tulsa is surrounded by gorgeous lakes, rivers and streams that teem with a variety of freshwater fish and wildlife. Located just one hour from Tulsa is Grand Lake 'o the Cherokees, one of the nation's most active recreational lake communities - complete with lakefront homes, yacht clubs and fishing guides. In addition, the Illinois River offers peaceful canoeing getaways and whitewater rafting to those looking for outdoor adventure.
For more information about living it up Tulsa style, visit the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce.
