Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $863 in Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 2% cheaper on rent than Kentucky, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $65,060 in Oklahoma — about 1% higher in Oklahoma. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% 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%
4.5%
+1.5 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
4.50%
+1.0 pp in Oklahoma
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$863
+2% in Kentucky
Median Home Value
$232,100
$215,100
+7% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$65,060
+1% in Oklahoma
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
61.5°F
+3.5°F in Oklahoma
Kentucky vs Oklahoma — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $863 runs about 2% below Kentucky's $877, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky 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 $35,000 a year in Kentucky versus $35,000 in Oklahoma.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Oklahoma?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% 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 Kentucky/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.