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Tulsa is home to over 45,600 seniors as of 2020, according to Census data, although the city is better known for its low median housing cost and a relatively young population compared to Oklahoma overall. When compared to the national average, there are almost 50% more physicians per capita in Tulsa – 299 physicians per 100,000 people – and it has a large hospital network. Oklahoma’s second city has a long history and many large museums, such as Philbrook, which is housed in a 1920s villa with opulent gardens.
The overall cost of living in Tulsa is 16.8% lower than the national average, and housing is the biggest factor. However, assisted living is notably more expensive in Tulsa at a monthly average of $4,370, which is $852 higher than average for Oklahoma. Most of Tulsa’s regional alternatives have lower average costs for this level of care.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Oklahoma’s assisted living facilities are reasonably priced when compared to most alternatives, with a statewide average of $3,518 per month, but Tulsa stands out with costs far above all but Kansas. Residents in assisted living pay an average of $4,370 per month in Tulsa and $4,473 per month in Kansas. The most affordable in the region is Missouri, at a monthly cost of $2,881.
Tulsa is the second largest city in the state, but it tops the list for cost in assisted living facilities, with a monthly average of $4,370. Oklahoma City and Lawton are less expensive by roughly $1,000 per month, and Enid presents savings of $1,500. Across the border in Missouri and Arkansas, nearby cities are also priced far below Tulsa. Joplin is significantly less expensive at $2,750 per month, and Fort Smith and Fayetteville have monthly costs of $2,925 and $3,611, respectively.
Oklahoma’s state-run Medicaid program, named SoonerCare, covers low-income seniors for a wide variety of health care services. It may also cover the amount due for personal care in one of the state’s assisted living facilities if an individual is eligible for a waiver. The ADvantage Waiver program and its assisted living service option cover this level of care, but Oklahoma Medicaid never covers room and board.
Learn more about the relevant programs, including eligibility and contact details, on our Assisted Living in Oklahoma page.
| Contact | Description | |
| INCOG Area Agency on Aging | (918) 579-9477 | Tulsa County seniors and caregivers can receive free or low-cost services and information on aging-related issues. The IAAA manages senior food programs, in-home care, health insurance counseling and the long-term care ombudsman program. Low-income seniors can also receive free legal assistance in civil matters, such as debt or issues with state and federal benefits. |
| LIFE Senior Centers | East Side: (918) 744-6760Southminster: (918) 703-9454 | LIFE is a nonprofit organization that manages two senior centers in Tulsa – at East Side Christian Church and Southminster Presbyterian Church – and they’re open every weekday during business hours. The centers offer dancing, light aerobics and other age-appropriate exercises as well as creative arts, social opportunities and wellness services. A calendar of events for each center can be viewed online. |
| Tulsa Vet Center | (918) 628-2760 | The local veterans center for Tulsa is located in the Eastgate Metroplex. Veterans and their families can participate in one-on-one and group counseling sessions, receive assistance in applying for the VA pension and other financial assistance programs or receive referrals to other VA programs or services. Veterans in assisted living facilities may be eligible for increased monthly payments. |
| Vintage Guide to Housing and Services | (918) 664-9000 | Vintage Guide to Housing and Services is a free catalog of senior-related services and programs in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma. It has categorized lists of local facilities, such as assisted living, and contacts for service providers. Copies are available in libraries and senior centers throughout the region, and it can also be read online. |
| SeniorLine | (866) 664-9009 | SeniorLine is an information and referral service that provides useful information over the phone, in person or via the website. Seniors and caregivers in Tulsa can ask all kinds of questions about local services and programs for seniors as well as receive referrals from trained staff. SeniorLine is operated by the nonprofit organization, LIFE Senior Services. |
The Department of Health regulates Oklahoma’s assisted living facilities, other long-term care homes and their staff according to strict regulations and statutes. These rules mandate staffing levels and experience, facility design and accessibility as well as other concerns. Visit our Assisted Living in Oklahoma page for further details on these regulations.