City comparison
Yes. Tulsa's crime index is 236 versus 242 in Orlando, and its violent crime index is 257 versus 241, using 2024-2025 FBI data for Tulsa and 2022 FBI data for Orlando.
Tulsa is cheaper. Median rent is $1,052 a month versus $1,747 in Orlando.
The cost gap between Tulsa and Orlando is the real story here. Tulsa comes in 40% cheaper on typical rent ($1,052 vs $1,747), which over a year adds up to $8,340. Median household income runs $59,838 in Tulsa and $72,336 in Orlando.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Tulsa costs less and Orlando pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Tulsa at $1,052 average has pockets that run $852 and others at $1,452: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Tulsa and Orlando are 1,001 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,052 a month in Tulsa to $1,747 a month in Orlando, up $695 a month (66%).
Median household income goes from $59,838 in Tulsa to $72,336 in Orlando, up $12,498 (21%).
The crime index goes from 236 in Tulsa to 242 in Orlando, up 6 points (3%).
The move
Orlando and Tulsa are 1,001 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,747 a month in Orlando to $1,052 a month in Tulsa, down $695 a month (40%).
Median household income goes from $72,336 in Orlando to $59,838 in Tulsa, down $12,498 (17%).
The crime index goes from 242 in Orlando to 236 in Tulsa, down 6 points (2%).
Tulsa, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Orlando, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Tulsa and Orlando? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
40% cheaper
Tulsa rent is 40% cheaper than Orlando
Tulsa
Winner$1,052/mo
Orlando
$1,747/mo
Typical rent runs $1,052 a month in Tulsa versus $1,747 in Orlando, so Tulsa is 40% cheaper. That's roughly $695/month back in your pocket ($8,340/year). Over five years that's $41,700 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Orlando, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Tulsa is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Tulsa? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
21% higher
Orlando's median income is 21% higher than Tulsa
Tulsa
$59,838
Orlando
Winner$72,336
Median household income is $72,336 in Orlando versus $59,838 in Tulsa, so typical pay runs 21% higher in Orlando (about $12,498 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Orlando is the stronger labor market on paper. Tulsa can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
2% lower crime
Tulsa's crime index is 2% lower than Orlando
Tulsa
Winner236 (100 = avg)
Orlando
242 (100 = avg)
Tulsa's crime index is 236 versus 242 in Orlando (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 2% lower in Tulsa. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Tulsa, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Orlando. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
9% more comfortable
Orlando weather is 9% more comfortable than Tulsa
Tulsa
62°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 92/100
Orlando
Winner71°F avg · 77°F highs · comfort 100/100
Tulsa averages about 62°F (69°F highs); Orlando averages about 71°F (77°F highs). Tulsa averages around 62°F. Orlando sits near 71°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Orlando scores 9% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Tulsa if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Tulsa is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 40% cheaper here at about $1,052 a month. Choose Tulsa if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Tulsa is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 2% lower than Orlando (236 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 21% higher ($72,336), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 71°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Tulsa undercuts Orlando by $695/month ($1,052 vs $1,747). I would not pick Orlando on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Tulsa rent at $1,052/month is still below Orlando's $1,747, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 62°F in Tulsa and 71°F in Orlando.
Between Tulsa and Orlando, Tulsa is ahead on housing cost — $1,052/month rent against $1,747. Lean Orlando instead when your $72,336 income offer in Orlando outweighs saving $695/month in Tulsa.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Tulsa and Orlando, plus other cities in OK and FL.
