Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,100/mo). State income tax: Oklahoma (4.75%) vs Missouri (5.4%) — on a $120K salary that's $780/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Missouri vs Oklahoma
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Missouri vs Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | Missouri | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,100 | $920 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $235K | $210K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Kansas City ($1,100) | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ |
| Priciest city | St. Louis ($1,100) | Oklahoma City ($920) |
| State income tax | 5.4% | 4.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 44/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Cities tracked | 2 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Oklahoma (4.75%).
Salary $80K
$520
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $120K
$780
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $200K
$1,300
/year saved in Oklahoma
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Missouri (MO)
Tax reality
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summers are humid-subtropical — 90°F + 75% humidity from June through mid-September, plus severe thunderstorm season in spring.
- ✕Tornado risk is real. Missouri is in tornado alley and both Kansas City and St. Louis metros have had damaging tornadoes. Joplin (2011) was devastating.
- ✕St. Louis has real public safety concerns in specific city neighborhoods. North St. Louis has high violent crime; Central West End, The Hill, Soulard, and Tower Grove are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
Oklahoma (OK)
Tax reality
Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax up to 4.75%. Property tax is low (~0.83% effective). Sales tax 4.5% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax. Overall low cost, moderate tax.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Tornado risk is the highest in the US. Spring (April-June) severe thunderstorm season is intense and occasionally catastrophic.
- ✕Summers are hot and humid — 95°F+ routinely, with afternoon thunderstorms and humidity.
- ✕Winters include ice storms which can shut down the region for days (trees and power lines fall under the weight).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri or Oklahoma cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,100/mo in Missouri, a $180/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $235K.
Missouri vs Oklahoma: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma has lower state income tax (4.75%) vs 5.4% in Missouri. On an $80K salary that's $520/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $1,300/year.
Should I move from Missouri to Oklahoma?
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
What are the best cities in Missouri vs Oklahoma?
Missouri's largest metros include Kansas City, St. Louis. Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Missouri suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.