Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $863 in Oklahoma. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Oklahoma, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $65,060 in Oklahoma — about 9% higher in Oklahoma. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% 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
6.5%
4.5%
+2.0 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
4.50%
+0.6 pp in Oklahoma
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$863
+6% in Oklahoma
Median Home Value
$221,200
$215,100
+3% in Arkansas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,074
$65,060
+10% in Oklahoma
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.7°F
61.5°F
+0.2°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Oklahoma — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Oklahoma?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 5% below Oklahoma's $863, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas 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 $33,000 a year in Arkansas versus $35,000 in Oklahoma.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Oklahoma?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% 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 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/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.