Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,540/mo). State income tax: Pennsylvania (3.07%) vs Oklahoma (4.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $2,016/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania
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
Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania at a Glance
| Metric | Oklahoma | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $920 ✓ | $1,540 |
| Avg median home price | $210K ✓ | $253K |
| Cheapest city | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ | Pittsburgh ($1,280) |
| Priciest city | Oklahoma City ($920) | Philadelphia ($1,800) |
| State income tax | 4.75% | 3.07% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 31/100 | 71/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ 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: Pennsylvania (3.07%).
Salary $80K
$1,344
/year saved in Pennsylvania
Salary $120K
$2,016
/year saved in Pennsylvania
Salary $200K
$3,360
/year saved in Pennsylvania
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
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).
Pennsylvania (PA)
Tax reality
Pennsylvania has a 3.07% flat state income tax — among the lowest in any income-tax state. No tax on retirement income (401k withdrawals, Social Security, pensions). Property tax varies widely by local school district — Philly suburbs can be 2%+, rural counties under 1%.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are real. Pittsburgh averages 41 inches of snow per year and stays overcast from November through April. Philadelphia is milder but still has freezing temps and 18-22 inches of average snowfall.
- ✕Philadelphia has ongoing public safety concerns in specific neighborhoods — Kensington in particular has a severe open-air drug market. Center City, South Philly, West Philly, and Northern Liberties are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
- ✕School districts in Philly proper have struggled for decades. Suburban districts (Lower Merion, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Radnor) are among the best-funded in the US but come with $900K+ home prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma or Pennsylvania cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,540/mo in Pennsylvania, a $620/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $253K.
Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania: which has lower state income tax?
Pennsylvania has lower state income tax (3.07%) vs 4.75% in Oklahoma. On an $80K salary that's $1,344/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $3,360/year.
Should I move from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania?
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.
What are the best cities in Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania?
Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Pennsylvania's largest metros include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Oklahoma suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.