Tulsa, OK, and Wichita, KS are both significant cities in the Central United States with their distinct charm and appealing factors. They have varied experiences to offer in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, and more. While Tulsa presents a blend of sophisticated urban life and relaxed southern charm, Wichita offers a rich historical experience coupled with a strong aviation industry backdrop. The comparison between these two cities provides insights for those contemplating relocating or visiting either town.
Distance between
Tulsa, OK and
Wichita, KS : 132.5 miles
Tulsa's population is larger by 4%. Its population has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) since 2000. The population of Wichita has grown by 51,415 people (14.9%) during that time.
Tulsa has a higher crime rate compared to Wichita, both in terms of property and violent crime rates, making Wichita relatively safer in comparison. Tulsa law enforcement agencies are working to decrease the crime rates, and recent statistics suggest some improvements. In Wichita, though the overall crime rate is lower than Tulsa, it is slightly above the national average.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wichita is slightly lower than Tulsa, making it more attractive for retirees or those with strict budgets. This disparity is primarily due to lower housing and grocery costs in Wichita.
Income Tax
Kansas has a state income tax, with rates ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has tax rates ranging from 0.5% to 5%. Tulsa residents may find their income tax slightly lower than those in Wichita.
Property Tax
Tulsa County has a lower average property tax rate (about 0.9%) compared to Sedgwick County, which includes Wichita, at approximately 1.4%. This difference can result in substantial savings for Tulsa homeowners over time.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma's state sales tax rate at 4.5% and Kansas's at 6.5%, coupled with the city sales tax, make the overall sales tax in Tulsa slightly higher than in Wichita.
Income
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Estimated median household income
$51,008
$56,293
Estimated per capita income
$33,002
$30,942
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
86.5
81.7
If you make $50,000 in Wichita, you will have to make $52,938 in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Tulsa is located in northeastern Oklahoma along the Arkansas River, with a more hilly and varied topography. Wichita, however, is in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, characterized by flat prairie lands.
Tulsa has a commendable education scenario with well-rated schools and higher education institutions like the University of Tulsa. Tulsa Public Schools is the largest school district in Oklahoma. Wichita also offers quality public and private schooling through the Wichita Public School District. It's significantly known for Wichita State University, providing excellent higher education opportunities.
While Tulsa's economy is largely driven by sectors such as energy, aerospace, finance, and telecommunications, Wichita, often hailed as 'The Air Capital of the World,' has a strong foundation in aircraft manufacturing. Other prominent sectors in Wichita include healthcare, education, and oil.
Biggest Employers
Tulsa's biggest employers are the American Airlines Maintenance Base, Saint Francis Health System, and the U.S. Government. In Wichita, top employers include Spirit AeroSystems, Koch Industries, and Wichita State University.
There were 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011) compared to 760 building permits issued in Wichita in 2012 (351 more than in 2011).
In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Wichita (Sedgwick County), 39.4% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
2020
40.9%
42.9%
56.5%
54.7%
2.7%
2.4%
2016
35.6%
36.3%
58.4%
54.4%
6.1%
9.3%
2012
36.3%
39.4%
63.7%
58.3%
0.0%
2.3%
2008
37.8%
42.5%
62.2%
55.2%
0.0%
2.3%
2004
35.6%
36.6%
64.4%
62.3%
0.0%
1.2%
2000
37.3%
38.4%
61.3%
57.5%
1.3%
4.1%
1996
37.1%
35.8%
53.6%
56.1%
9.3%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.9%
5.9%
18.6%
9.9%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.1%
15.0%
3.1%
5.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.3%
1.3%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
0.7%
0.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
1.4%
1.2%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.2%
0.7%
0.7%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.5%
0.0%
3.1%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.5%
0.9%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.1%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.6%
0.5%
3.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
Weather
Tulsa and Wichita have quite similar weather patterns, with both experiencing hot summers and mild to cold winters. However, Tulsa is slightly more humid due to its closer proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Both cities can experience tornadoes, common to the Midwest, with the spring and early summer being the peak seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Temperature - Average
60.4°F
56.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.8%
73.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.1 in
30.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
18.4 in
30 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
21.1%
21.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
64.8%
70.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Average climate in Wichita, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
Tulsa
Wichita
2018
88
67
0.24
N/A
N/A
7.8
28.6
28.1
0.004
N/A
25.8
N/A
11.6
6.2
0.4
1.1
2017
80
66
0.22
N/A
N/A
6.8
29.9
29.1
0.004
N/A
22.1
N/A
10.2
6.9
0.5
1.2
2016
86
65
0.24
N/A
N/A
6.8
29.1
27.6
0.005
N/A
21.5
N/A
9.5
N/A
0.5
0.6
2015
74
61
0.25
N/A
N/A
7.2
28.1
28.4
0.004
N/A
21.1
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.8
1.0
2014
74
70
0.16
N/A
N/A
7.7
29.2
30.0
0.005
N/A
23.4
N/A
9.2
N/A
0.3
1.4
2013
85
66
0.21
0.25
N/A
8.9
29.8
30.1
0.005
N/A
20.8
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.5
0.6
2012
103
91
0.21
0.26
N/A
9.9
32.4
32.2
0.007
N/A
24.1
N/A
11.7
N/A
0.7
1.2
2011
108
89
0.27
0.22
N/A
12.2
33.8
33.5
0.005
N/A
22.6
N/A
13.8
N/A
0.8
1.5
2010
83
73
0.26
0.45
N/A
8.3
30.1
32.0
0.004
N/A
20.2
N/A
12.2
N/A
0.7
0.7
2009
88
69
0.26
0.31
N/A
8.2
29.8
29.3
0.004
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.2
N/A
0.7
0.8
2008
71
66
N/A
0.36
N/A
8.9
26.7
24.0
0.007
N/A
20.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2007
77
70
0.32
0.47
N/A
9.5
28.8
21.7
0.007
N/A
21.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.4
2006
95
82
N/A
0.46
N/A
10.0
32.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2005
84
80
N/A
0.55
N/A
11.4
28.9
27.8
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
2004
71
60
N/A
0.37
N/A
9.3
27.5
27.8
N/A
N/A
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2003
94
74
N/A
0.30
N/A
10.0
29.2
29.2
N/A
N/A
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2002
85
79
0.83
0.54
7.8
8.1
27.7
31.7
N/A
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2001
102
86
0.75
0.40
14.4
5.2
30.6
34.2
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.2
2000
101
84
0.69
0.55
15.3
5.0
28.9
30.6
N/A
N/A
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
Natural disasters
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
277.6%
202.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
901.9%
922.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
34%
16%
Transportation
Both cities rely heavily on car transport, with limited public transit options. Tulsa Transit and Wichita Transit provide bus services in their respective cities. In addition, Tulsa offers a free downtown trolley service.
Transport
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
808
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
35
69
Means of transportation to work
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Bicycle
0.1%
0.3%
Bus
0.1%
0.5%
Carpooled
9%
9.1%
Car alone
87.9%
87%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Average
23.8 min
21.6 min
Other means
19.2 min
18.7 min
Public transportation
40.1 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.7%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.5%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate in Wichita is somewhat more affordable than in Tulsa, contributing to the lower overall cost of living. Tulsa, however, offers more upscale options, especially in its southern neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Tulsa boasts neighborhoods with diverse characteristics, with Cherry Street and Brookside offering an urban feel, while southern Tulsa is known for its luxury homes. Wichita's neighborhoods like College Hill are admired for their historic charm and well-preserved homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Houses
194,402
176,357
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1975
1974
Median year house/condo built
1969
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.9 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
173,943 (89.5%)
156,668 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
89,307 (51.3%)
91,527 (58.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
84,636 (48.7%)
65,141 (41.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$899.30
$1,022
Median monthly housing costs
$897
$884
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$163,212
$269,752
Estimated median house or condo value
$172,000
$165,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
7
Median house price - detached houses
$247,367
$217,536
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$496,968
$140,687
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$94,964
$121,965
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$176,274
$117,517
Median house price - mobile homes
$73,235
$87,984
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$166,906
$100,474
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$184,309
$146,455
Median house price - All housing units
$241,263
$210,445
Median house age
49
47
Renting percentage
46.5%
38.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,064.4
1,299.1
House value disparities
41.8%
37.5%
Household income disparities
48.1%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$84,820
$82,935
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$57,403
$60,554
Housing units without a mortgage
855 (1.7%)
1,747 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,464 (4.8%)
4,222 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
50,494 (98.3%)
56,370 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
93 (0.2%)
321 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,580 (7%)
5,142 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.9%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.7%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Tulsa
Wichita
One, detached
62.9%
65.1%
One, attached
2.8%
5.6%
Two
1.9%
4.6%
3 or 4
5.0%
4.7%
5 to 9
6.8%
3.6%
10 to 19
9.2%
5.3%
20 to 49
4.4%
4.3%
50 or more
5.8%
4.6%
Mobile homes
1.1%
2.0%
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
8,733
State government workers
5,897
7,037
Unpaid family workers
284
256
Industries and Occupations
Tulsa is home to a large energy sector, but it also has strong finance, technology, and telecommunications industries. Wichita, on the other hand, is well-known for its aircraft and aviation industries, with significant operations from major manufacturers.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare options. In Tulsa, healthcare services from Saint Francis Health System, and Hillcrest Healthcare System provide quality care. There's Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center in Wichita ensuring the city's healthcare needs.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Tulsa boasts an impressive Art Deco downtown architecture, while Wichita's infrastructure primarily comprises buildings with a modern design. Both cities continually invest in improved infrastructure and have significant redevelopment plans for their downtown areas.
Infrastructure
Type
Tulsa
Wichita
Hospitals
45
24
TV stations
20
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
160
138
Bank institutions located here
40
34
Main business address for public companies
27
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Tulsa
Wichita
1999
2,135
2,785
2000
1,531
2,308
2001
1,216
1,808
2002
1,106
1,227
2003
1,243
1,260
2004
1,354
1,320
2005
1,709
1,401
2006
1,756
1,272
2007
1,014
1,037
2008
517
569
2009
327
324
Culture and Food
Both cities are steeped in culture, though they offer different experiences. Tulsa is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, including ballet, opera, and the Philbrook Museum of Art. Barbecue and Southern cuisine dominate the food scene. Wichita, with its Cowtown Museum and the Keeper of the Plains monument, houses a rich history of the old west. Its food claims fame with beef and other Midwestern fares.
Sports Teams
Tulsa houses minor league baseball and soccer teams, such as the Tulsa Drillers and FC Tulsa. Wichita is home to the Wichita Wind Surge, a Minor League Baseball team, and Wichita Thunder, a Minor League Ice Hockey team. Both cities also support respective college sports teams with a strong following.
Tulsa, OK
Wichita, KS
Tulsa, OK and 
Wichita, KS : 132.5 miles
