Tulsa is the best to live in compared to Albuquerque. The city bids the best low-cost housing, urban district, and art deco architecture arrangements. Also, Tulsa is an excellent community for retirement.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, has more to offer. The city has a cheaper cost of living expenses and has a better weather temperature than Albuquerque. Residing in Tulsa is also cost-effective, as it is one of the least expensive cities in America that is why it is suitable for retirees.
It is a great urban neighborhood with a diverse culture and an excellent place to retire. The city has less commuting time than other American cities—less than 20 minutes on average—and vibrant culture. Tulsa provides citizens with a higher standard of living in so many ways that you will want to live the rest of your retirement days in this lovely city.
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What Are the Pros and Cons of Albuquerque Versus Tulsa?
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is well known for preserving native American culture, parks-covered cities, and good weather for outdoor activities, but the job market is struggling. Tulsa, Oklahoma, bargains better job opportunities and good quality of life, but the tax rate is unfavorable.
Here are the advantages and drawbacks of living in Albuquerque versus Tulsa.
Living in Albuquerque
Pros:
- The City Is a Sunny Place
- Stunning Landscape
- Parks Covers the City
- The City Preserves Native American Culture
- The Neighborhood Has Many Good Hotspots
If you want a place where Mr. Sun will shine more yet also want to experience the four seasons, then go for living in Albuquerque. The city experiences the four climates but not too much of each.
Albuquerque is privileged to have sunny weather for 310 days out of the year. The rainy season doesn’t last long because the area only gets rain on 61 days out of the year on average. Even in the winter season, the temperature is unlikely to fall below zero degrees.
So, Albuquerque fits you just as fine if you cannot tolerate chilling snow or too much humidity.
The city has lovely geography. The Sandia Crest is the highest point of the mountain ranges east of the town, where it hugs the terrain and creates a breathtaking view, especially at night. With the longest aerial tramway in North America, you can get the best spectacular view of the city’s 11,00 square miles.
The architectural design of the city complements the spectacular view of the city. You can spend time relaxing in the parklands and walking around the national monuments. The metropolis also has many open spaces, such as parks and a recreational environment.
An environmental feel will let you in awe because the city of Albuquerque has many parks. Albuquerque has the highest percentage of its land region surrounded by gardens of any central city in the United States. Parks shield more than a quarter of the town.
Petroglyph National Monument Park, which stretches for 17 miles alongside Albuquerque, is one of the most famous park places in the area. The petroglyphs in the park hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the locals.
If you want to find a place where people respect their Native American roots, then Albuquerque is the place to be. The city is the home for almost 22 native American tribes, and the culture still lives on up to these days.
There are almost 20 pueblos in the state, and you can find a native pueblo called Sandia Pueblo just 14 miles north of ABQ. Intimate stories will also make you appreciate their cultural history as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is in the city. Some of the tribes that the city nurtured are Navajo and Mescalero Apaches.
The city’s downtown offers good events and sumptuous cuisine. Places that you do not want to miss having a tour in are the Old Town, the Westside, the famous Balloon Fiesta Park, and a slew of others.
The local cuisine in Albuquerque got its perks from a unique mix of social traditions in the place. The signature ingredients are red and green chilies. It’s critical to get a flavor profile for both if you happen to settle in ABQ.
Cons:
- Struggling Job Market
- Transportation
Compared to other cities in the United States, the poor employment market is also not good. Even if Albuquerque has a nice neighborhood, the job opportunities seem to struggle. The average rate is much higher than the city’s average unemployment rate.
There might be better opportunities, especially in-state jobs, and related works, but the growth rate of their job market is not increasing rapidly. The aviation industry and defense, energy production, renewable power, and electronics manufacturing are important in Albuquerque.
There is still more to improve in terms of employment in the city.
Albuquerque is not ideal for you if you are impatient with public transportation. The public transport in this place is quite limited, where it scores 30 in its transit record. You need to have other alternatives to go around the area.
The best way to get around the city without having the hustle for public transit is to have your car or walk your path around. The town has a walkability score of 43 and makes a spot to America’s most walkable city. A good bike is an option for you too.
Living in Tulsa
Pros
- The Cost of Living is Extremely Affordable
- Booming Job Opportunities
- The City Is the Best Place to Retire
- Commute is Fast
- Premium Education
- Supreme Deco District
If you value your finances, you would like to have quality yet affordable homes in Tulsa. Living in Tulsa is exceptionally cost-effective, with affordable homes and one of the country’s lowest possible living costs. The place has nearly 17 percent lower than the national average.
Tulsa has a median home price of $126,200, and Oklahomans pay % less in taxes per year than the average American. Renting in this city is also one of the most affordable for many citizens. The average rate falls to $800/ month.
Tulsa is one of the booming cities that can offer better job opportunities because of its oil industry. The higher the necessity, the more job requests are open to people. The oil industry is the number one benefactor of their job market and still increasing given that the demand for petroleum almost around the world never stops.
Not only does the city have its oil as a prized possession, but the aerospace and common industry does not fall behind any least. There is still a lot of job development that people can look forward to in the growing metropolis.
Most retirees desire to spend their lives living in an affordable yet good neighborhood, and Tulsa is on the spot. Tulsa’s good cuisine, lively entertainment, and plentiful recreational opportunities contribute to the city’s reputation as an excellent place to retire.
Furthermore, Oklahoma is tax-friendly for retirees, with a complete Social Security retirement perks exemption. Another attraction is the city’s powerful medical system, with the neighborhood Saint Francis Hospital positioned as the best hospital in Oklahoma.
If you decide to commute through public transportation, Tulsa offers the fastest, not exceeding 20 minutes, time to get to your desired place. The place created a program where every possible busy road has access to any mode of transportation.
The city efficiently makes its highways and downtowns more accessible to everyone. Thus, the development, especially in their roads, is increasing.
Tulsa belongs to the country’s top cities that are best to drive around. You can enjoy the car parks as the car insurance rate in this place is lower than the national average.
Tulsa offers one of the best and quality education in any metropolis place. You can have your education at the University of Oklahoma- Tulsa Campus, where students can continue pursuing any of the school’s 79 undergraduate degrees, 27 master’s degrees, and 12 doctoral degrees.
All of the educational institutions in Tulsa offer an excellent student culture that emphasizes ethical citizenship and continuous learning. You can also go to the Oklahoma Tulsa campus or a community college.
Artistic Deco Architecture is at the soul of Tulsa Downtown. The Deco District offers a good sight and learning of different architectural patterns and designs that everyone will appreciate while strolling around the area.
Cons:
- Household Income Is Below Average
- Tulsa’s Tax Rates Are Higher
It might be a home of promising job opportunities, but the household income average in Tulsa falls below the national average. It might still be favorable, considering the cost of living is cheap.
Still, if you want to alleviate your household income, you need to find a better job opportunity in the metropolis. A salary increase is also necessary to make the place more enticing.
Tulsa residents pay higher taxes, with 5% income taxes and an 8.52% sales tax. If you are not okay with spending too much tax, Tulsa may not be the best place for you.
Albuquerque Or Tulsa – Which Is More Expensive?
Albuquerque is more expensive than Tulsa. The city is more than expensive of about 9.5% in terms of cost of living. Albuquerque also exceeds Tulsa’s housing costs by almost 71.5%. The overall index of the city is 91.1%, almost near the national average.
It is costly to move into Albuquerque than Tulsa. Tulsa’s percentage index is lower and way cheaper than ABQ.
Comparison Table of Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Albuquerque, New Mexico
| Living Expenses | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Housing and Rent | 51.3% | 81% |
| Utilities | 95.6% | 97.2% |
| Food And Groceries | 94.9% | 96% |
| Transportation | 89.7% | 89.4% |
| Health | 109.5% | 81.4% |
| Miscellaneous | 100.5% | 97.1% |
Based on the Data of which 100 = US National Average
>100 means more expensive
<100 means cheaper than the US average
Housing and Rent Costs
Albuquerque is more expensive in housing and rental expenses compared to Tulsa. The city acquired 81% even if it falls just below the national average; Tulsa only got 51.3%.
The median cost of houses in Tulsa is only $118,700, while it cost almost $203,500 before you can purchase a home in Albuquerque.
ABQ’s high rental rate has steadily increased significantly in recent years. According to the most recent data, the average rent in Tulsa is $1,123 per month for a three-bedroom home, while it is around $1,339 in Albuquerque. Studio Apartment rental in Tulsa costs $595, while in Albuquerque, it cost about $630.
Utility Costs
It cost more payment in Albuquerque in utility expenses than in Tulsa. The average utility expenses, including electricity, cooling, water, and garbage in ABQ, is $230 per month, while it is $205 in Tulsa.
An essential internet connection in the City of Albuquerque costs $80, including 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, and Cable/ADSL, while you will pay Tulsa $63.89 for the same service.
Food and Groceries Costs
Foods and groceries in Albuquerque than in Tulsa have a minimal difference in terms of percentages.
Inexpensive meals in Tulsa cost an average of $12, while they cost $15 in ABQ. Even midrange meals for three people, Tulsa can go for $46.50 and ABQ for $47.50.
Transportation Costs
Tulsa’s transportation cost a little further by a slight difference of 0.3% compared to ABQ. The ticket price for public transit in both places does not differ significantly. A one-way ticket for local transit in Tulsa is $1.88, while ABQ is $1.00.
Health Care Costs
Health care in Tulsa costs is higher than in Albuquerque. Albuquerque has 286 physicians per 100,000 people, while Tulsa has 299 physicians.
Tulsa’s average health care costs exceed the national average by 9.5%. Although both cities cater to the public health care system, Tulsa got more private facilities and services that cost more than Albuquerque.
Taxes
Taxes in Tulsa is higher compared to Albuquerque. Inside Tulsa’s city boundaries, the sales and then use tax is 8.517 %, divided among three taxing localities: Oklahoma has a 4.5 percent 0.367% for Tulsa County 3.65% in the city.
The consolidated rate in Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, is 7.7875%. The state taxes the total revenues of local and state governments other than school districts at a rate of 5%.
Is Albuquerque Safer Than Tulsa?
Tulsa is safer than Albuquerque. It acquires a 48.3% violent crime rate lower than Albuquerque’s 51%. The city falls above the national average regarding violent and property crime percentages but higher than Albuquerque.
Both cities fall above the national average of 22.7% in violent crime, but Albuquerque doubled the number. Albuquerque has 1,352 cases in every 100,000 people, while Tulsa got 591. ABQ even recorded almost 45 homicides in a year.
Is Albuquerque Bigger Than Tulsa?
Tulsa is bigger than Albuquerque. The total measurement of the city is 201.84 square miles, composed of 107.75 of it is land and water for 4.09 square miles.
Tulsa’s center city size is 1.4 square and has an inner-dispersal loop created by Interstate 244, Highway 64, and Highway 75. The area is Tulsa’s business and financial district, and it is the focus of a thriving tourist initiative that includes plans to utilize the area’s history and architecture.
Even if Tulsa is more significant than the Albuquerque landmass, the latter is denser. ABQ is thicker than Tulsa by 3,015.97/square miles, while Tulsa only got a population density of 2,088.83/square miles. The population in the City of Tulsa is 403,166, while Albuquerque got almost as much as 562,540.
Is Albuquerque Warmer Than Tulsa?
Tulsa is warmer than Albuquerque. The city’s temperature ranges from 90 to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during summer. Tulsa experiences plenty of hot weather, reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit as early as March or April and lasting until October.
During the summer, most days in Tulsa have highs in the 90s, with 11 days having temperatures of 100 °F (38 °C) or higher. You will probably resort to having good air conditioning or having fun outdoor activities to lessen the sweaty effect of the warm weather.
Albuquerque has a higher elevation compared to Tulsa, making it a little bit colder in there. June through August are the hottest months in ABQ, with daily hot temperatures averaging around 89- and 92-degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Albuquerque Better Than Tulsa?
Tulsa is better than Albuquerque. The urban city district offers better deals regarding the affordable cost of living, good architectural sightings, and excellent quality of life. Tulsa also is one of the top US cities that is well best for people to stay for their retirement.
If you want to live in a city where you can enjoy your retirement, living in Tulsa is one of the most valuable things. The place offers affordable housing, food, and even good sceneries. The site has a diverse culture that makes it more welcoming. There are lots of events that families will love to experience.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is home to great architectural scenes and better educational quality for your children. The job opportunity is booming, and you can most likely live comfortably in the city with so much development on the way.
Albuquerque, New Mexico versus Tulsa, Oklahoma – Where do you consider moving? Let me know your thoughts below.