Washington, DC, the nation's capital, and Tulsa, OK, a major city in Oklahoma both offer unique living experiences with some similarities and differences. Tulsa offers a quieter and slower-paced life with lower living costs, while D.C. is a bustling city with many opportunities, but it comes with a higher cost of living. Crime rates, weather, education, and other factors vary between these two cities as well. Let's delve into the specifics to provide a better understanding for those considering relocating.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Tulsa, OK : 1,052.6 miles
Washington's population is larger by 63%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Tulsa has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) during that time.
Washington, DC has a higher crime rate compared to Tulsa, OK. The city's violent crime rate is notably higher than the national average. However, many efforts are being undertaken to bring it down both by the local government and various agencies. Tulsa has lower crime rates overall, however, like any other city, certain neighborhoods do have higher rates of crime than others.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly higher in Washington, DC than in Tulsa. Everything from housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation typically cost more in the nation's capital. Conversely, Tulsa is one of the most affordable cities in the US. The housing is particularly attractive, being significantly lower than the national average.
Income Tax
Washington, DC's income tax has several brackets, with a maximum rate of 8.95%. Oklahoma has a maximum income tax rate of 5%.
Property Tax
The property tax in Washington, DC varies but is generally above 0.56%. In Tulsa, the average property tax rate is 0.88%.
Sales Tax
Washington, DC has a sales tax rate of 6%. In contrast, Tulsa has both a state sales tax of 4.5% and a combined city and county sales tax that brings the total sales tax to around 8.5%.
Income
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$51,008
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$33,002
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $71,792 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington, DC, located on the Potomac River, features flat terrain with some rolling hills. Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River, features varying terrain that includes hills and plains.
D.C. is home to several high-ranking universities and schools, including Georgetown University and George Washington University. The city also offers high performing public and charter schools. Tulsa has reputable universities as well like the University of Tulsa, but it does not have the same range of educational opportunities offered in D.C.
Washington, DC has a strong economy with job opportunities largely centered around government and associated sectors. Tulsa's economy is more diverse, with strong employment in sectors such as energy, aerospace, and telecommunications. However, wages are generally higher in D.C.
Biggest Employers
As expected, the biggest employers in Washington, DC are the Federal Government, District of Columbia Public Schools, and Washington Hospital Center. In Tulsa, the prominent employers include American Airlines, Saint Francis Health System, and the Tulsa Public Schools.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
2020
92.6%
40.9%
5.4%
56.5%
2.0%
2.7%
2016
90.9%
35.6%
4.1%
58.4%
5.0%
6.1%
2012
90.9%
36.3%
7.3%
63.7%
1.8%
0.0%
2008
92.5%
37.8%
6.5%
62.2%
1.0%
0.0%
2004
89.6%
35.6%
9.4%
64.4%
1.0%
0.0%
2000
85.2%
37.3%
9.0%
61.3%
5.9%
1.3%
1996
85.2%
37.1%
9.3%
53.6%
5.5%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
8.1%
7.4%
3.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.3%
10.3%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
14.9%
10.3%
18.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.8%
5.3%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.4%
1.8%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.5%
1.1%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.4%
2.1%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.7%
0.3%
1.2%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS
0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
3.1%
Weather
Weather in both cities offers contrasts. Washington, DC has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, while Tulsa has a humid subtropical climate too but with extreme weather conditions such as tornadoes given its location in Tornado Alley. For those who enjoy a more moderate climate, Washington, DC might be the preferred choice.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
60.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
73.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
42.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
18.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
21.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
64.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
50%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Washington
Tulsa
Washington
Tulsa
2018
88
88
0.32
0.24
11.6
N/A
23.2
28.6
N/A
0.004
16.4
N/A
8.8
11.6
0.8
0.4
2017
84
80
0.32
0.22
12.3
N/A
24.9
29.9
N/A
0.004
16.5
N/A
9.8
10.2
1.0
0.5
2016
98
86
0.43
0.24
14.7
N/A
24.6
29.1
0.002
0.005
17.2
N/A
9.5
9.5
1.0
0.5
2015
91
74
0.34
0.25
14.8
N/A
26.2
28.1
0.002
0.004
17.0
N/A
10.4
8.6
1.3
0.8
2014
85
74
0.33
0.16
11.6
N/A
25.9
29.2
0.002
0.005
17.1
N/A
10.0
9.2
1.0
0.3
2013
88
85
0.34
0.21
11.7
N/A
25.6
29.8
0.002
0.005
17.3
N/A
11.6
10.1
1.0
0.5
2012
103
103
0.58
0.21
15.2
N/A
27.6
32.4
0.002
0.007
N/A
N/A
12.2
11.7
1.6
0.7
2011
105
108
0.67
0.27
15.4
N/A
27.7
33.8
0.002
0.005
N/A
N/A
11.4
13.8
3.1
0.8
2010
114
83
0.88
0.26
15.9
N/A
29.3
30.1
0.003
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.3
12.2
3.4
0.7
2009
90
88
0.86
0.26
16.2
N/A
24.4
29.8
0.002
0.004
N/A
N/A
7.6
12.2
4.6
0.7
2008
103
71
1.23
N/A
16.2
N/A
25.3
26.7
0.003
0.007
N/A
N/A
8.5
N/A
5.6
N/A
2007
113
77
1.17
0.32
16.8
N/A
27.1
28.8
0.004
0.007
N/A
N/A
10.4
N/A
5.1
0.8
2006
114
95
1.11
N/A
17.2
N/A
25.5
32.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
4.5
N/A
2005
105
84
0.86
N/A
20.5
N/A
22.7
28.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
N/A
2004
113
71
0.62
N/A
21.3
N/A
20.6
27.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
N/A
2003
108
94
0.90
N/A
23.6
N/A
20.8
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
N/A
2002
125
85
1.16
0.83
23.7
7.8
25.0
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
N/A
2001
113
102
1.07
0.75
23.9
14.4
22.0
30.6
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
N/A
2000
115
101
1.17
0.69
20.2
15.3
19.1
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
277.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
901.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
34%
Transportation
Washington, DC offers various methods of public transportation, including the Metro, buses, and bike-share programs. On the other hand, Tulsa is predominantly a car-centric city with limited public transit options.
Transport
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
456
808
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
35
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Bicycle
2%
0.1%
Bus
6.3%
0.1%
Carpooled
7.8%
9%
Car alone
62.5%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.3%
0%
Streetcar
10.6%
0%
Subway
1.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.7%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Average
39.2 min
23.8 min
Other means
26 min
19.2 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
40.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
88.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Washington, D.C. is known for its high prices, with the median home price well above the national average. In Tulsa, the real estate is much more affordable, with the median home price being below the national average.
Neighborhoods
Both cities feature diverse neighborhoods. In Washington, DC, neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill offer a mix of history, culture, and dining. Tulsa neighborhoods like Brookside and Cherry Street offer a range of housing options from historic to contemporary, dining, and shopping options.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Houses
357,482
194,402
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1965
1975
Median year house/condo built
1941
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
12.9 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
173,943 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
89,307 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
84,636 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$899.30
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$897
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$163,212
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$172,000
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$247,367
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$496,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$94,964
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$176,274
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$184,309
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$241,263
Median house age
65
49
Renting percentage
58%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
1,064.4
House value disparities
26.7%
41.8%
Household income disparities
45.7%
48.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$84,820
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$57,403
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
855 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
2,464 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
50,494 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
93 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
3,580 (7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Tulsa
One, detached
11.2%
62.9%
One, attached
22.2%
2.8%
Two
2.7%
1.9%
3 or 4
6.8%
5.0%
5 to 9
7.3%
6.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
9.2%
20 to 49
7.6%
4.4%
50 or more
33.6%
5.8%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
13,964
State government workers
6,699
5,897
Unpaid family workers
580
284
Industries and Occupations
Federal Government, professional services, and education are the leading industries in D.C. In contrast, Tulsa's economy has a strong base in energy, aerospace, finance, and manufacturing industries.
Both cities offer quality healthcare services. Washington, DC has several premier medical facilities like MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital. Tulsa also boasts quality hospitals such as the Saint Francis Hospital and Hillcrest Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Tulsa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in D.C is more developed, with numerous landmarks and attractions, including the National Mall, the White House, and various national museums. Tulsa, though smaller, is known for its art deco architecture, with the Boston Avenue Methodist Church being a prime example.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Tulsa
Hospitals
114
45
TV stations
27
20
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
247
160
Bank institutions located here
34
40
Main business address for public companies
30
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Tulsa
1999
1,328
2,135
2000
1,438
1,531
2001
935
1,216
2002
886
1,106
2003
1,319
1,243
2004
2,281
1,354
2005
2,920
1,709
2006
3,362
1,756
2007
2,548
1,014
2008
1,095
517
2009
514
327
Culture and Food
Washington, DC is a hub for cultural events, museums, art galleries, and international cuisine because of its diverse population and significant tourist traffic. Tulsa also boasts a robust cultural scene with a remarkable collection at the Philbrook Museum and an emerging food scene.
Sports Teams
Washington, DC hosts several major league sports teams including the Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Football Team (NFL). Tulsa, on the other hand, does not have any major league sports teams but hosts minor league teams and college sports.
Washington, DC
Tulsa, OK
Washington, DC and 
Tulsa, OK : 1,052.6 miles
