Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,327/mo). State income tax: Texas (None) vs Oklahoma (4.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,700/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Oklahoma vs Texas
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 Texas at a Glance
| Metric | Oklahoma | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $920 ✓ | $1,327 |
| Avg median home price | $210K ✓ | $379K |
| Cheapest city | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ | El Paso ($1,050) |
| Priciest city | Oklahoma City ($920) | Austin ($1,650) |
| State income tax | 4.75% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 31/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 7 |
✓ 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: Texas (None).
Salary $80K
$3,800
/year saved in Texas
Salary $120K
$5,700
/year saved in Texas
Salary $200K
$9,500
/year saved in Texas
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).
Texas (TX)
Tax reality
Texas has no state income tax — on $100K that's roughly $5,000-$9,000/year you keep vs California. The catch: Texas property tax averages 1.6-2.3% annually, among the highest in the US. For renters, it's a pure win. For homeowners, a $450K home costs you $7,200-$10,300/year in property tax.
Top cities (7 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summer heat is genuinely dangerous — 100°F+ days stretch from June through September, and the grid has failed multiple times (Uri 2021, summer 2023). Outdoor time is limited to early morning or after sundown.
- ✕Property taxes are the trade-off for no income tax. On a $450K home you'll pay $7,500-$10,500/year in property taxes — the highest in the country alongside New Jersey and Illinois.
- ✕Car dependency is near-total outside a few Austin and Houston neighborhoods. You will drive everywhere, including to the grocery store. Expect $400-$600/mo in all-in car costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma or Texas cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,327/mo in Texas, a $407/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $379K.
Oklahoma vs Texas: which has lower state income tax?
Texas has lower state income tax (None) vs 4.75% in Oklahoma. On an $80K salary that's $3,800/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,500/year.
Should I move from Oklahoma to Texas?
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 Texas?
Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Texas's largest metros include Austin, Houston, Dallas. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Oklahoma suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.