Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $882 in Oklahoma versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,702 in Oklahoma and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 9% higher in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Oklahoma vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Oklahoma or Pennsylvania?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $882 runs about 26% below Pennsylvania's $1,189, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Oklahoma than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 Oklahoma versus $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Oklahoma or Pennsylvania?
- Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Oklahoma/Pennsylvania — 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.