The Cost of Living Diaries: Broken Arrow, OK

Get the inside scoop on what it's like to be a local in this stunning city just outside of Tulsa.

By Lindsey Hyde on April 13, 2023

Shane Bevel

Welcome to The Cost of Living Diaries. How much does it cost to live in Broken Arrow, OK? What’s it like to live and work here? Keep reading because we asked a Broken Arrow resident to tell us all about the cost of living in this northeastern Oklahoma city!

Broken Arrow is a friendly community whose bustling downtown is balanced by its plethora of parks, green spaces and golf courses. A local favorite is the city’s arts and entertainment district, which offers excellent restaurants, unique shops and boutiques.

Tonya Ellison grew up in Chanute, Kansas, moved close to the area for an internship after college and has remained in the region since 2000. Today, she is a real estate associate for Chinowth & Cohen Realtors in Broken Arrow. Livability spoke with Ellison about what it’s like to live in Broken Arrow.

What do you love best about Broken Arrow?
You’re close to Tulsa, so you have all those conveniences but without the hustle and bustle. The traffic isn’t terrible. The people are nice. I really feel like I can have everything I need or want without leaving Broken Arrow. I really love our Main Street. We’ve revitalized that. You picture a cozy little town where people walk down Main Street and there are little cafes and shops, and we actually have that here.

How affordable is housing in the area?
I think you get a bigger bang for your buck the farther out you go (from Tulsa). Broken Arrow is one step over from Tulsa. (Typical home value in March 2023 was $259,700, according to Zillow.)

What’s your favorite restaurant in Broken Arrow, and about how much would dinner and drinks be for two?
I find myself at Main Street Tavern quite a bit. It’s a bar and restaurant, so there are tables inside and then there’s a nice little patio area. They have a variety of food, which I like. I always get the sliced chicken club there and add some avocado. (Dinner and drinks for two) would be $55 to $65.

What are some coffee shops in the area, and how much would your go-to drink cost?
We have a lot of great coffee places. Kiosk-like coffee places are popping up, like Dutch Bros and Scooter’s. If I’m in a hurry, I’d go to Scooter’s. If I’m meeting somebody, then I would go to this little place on Main Street called Rise Grind & Ride. That’s a great place to go if you want to sit down. I like caramel macchiatos. It would cost $6 to $8 for a medium (at both places).