'It Has Only Gone Up': Renters, Landlords In Tulsa Struggle With Rising Rent Costs

People all over Green Country said they’re struggling to make ends meet, with prices going up everywhere, including rent.

But apartment complex managers said their costs are increasing, and this is all a bigger issue.

The most recent data shows Tulsa area apartment rent costs nearly $1,000 a month on average.

With wages not keeping up for many –renters say it feels impossible to make ends meet.

“It has only gone up," said Shawna Neugin.

Oklahoma has broadly been called one of the cheapest places to live.

But roommates like Shawna Neugin and Brad Brewer say it hasn’t been their experience renting.

“I haven't had a promotion or raise in a couple of years, nothing has gone up but rent cost has," Brewer said.

Brad said rental homes in his midtown neighborhood have gone up around $300 a month for rent over the past couple years and he’s had to move to find more affordable housing.

"We’ve seen the rent go up, just because of other things happening in our world, the economy, the cost of everything is going up," said Keri Cooper.

ALN Apartment data shows the average cost of apartment rentals is $979 in 2024 – up 5.4 percent from last year.

But the occupancy has gone down to 90 percent from close to 95 percent two years ago.

Keri Cooper with the Tulsa Apartment Association said that is a sign that rent prices are so high because landlords have to keep up with the rising costs of everything.

“Those providing the housing, those costs are going up, the supplies, employees the property insurance," said

She says this is a huge problem for everyone— tenants and landlords– and something has to change.

“Tulsa and Oklahoma are rated one of the most affordable places to live, but you look around and see people are still struggling to make ends meet," said Cooper.

Cooper said there are solutions like the city’s initiatives to build more affordable housing over the next several years.

She urges any renters who are struggling to pay, to be honest and communicate with their apartment managers or landlords, since options are available.