Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $863 in Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $65,060 in Oklahoma — about 32% higher in Oklahoma. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4.5%
+0.5 pp in Oklahoma
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
4.50%
+0.5 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$863
+14% in Alabama
Median Home Value
$138,600
$215,100
+55% in Oklahoma
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$65,060
+47% in Oklahoma
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
61.5°F
+1.8°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Oklahoma — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $863 runs about 14% below Alabama's $1,004, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Oklahoma?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $35,000 in Oklahoma.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Oklahoma?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Alabama/Oklahoma — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.