Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,380/mo). State income tax: Oklahoma (4.75%) vs Minnesota (Up to 9.85%) — on a $120K salary that's $6,120/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Minnesota vs Oklahoma
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
Minnesota vs Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | Minnesota | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,380 | $920 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $320K | $210K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Minneapolis ($1,380) | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Minneapolis ($1,380) | Oklahoma City ($920) |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | 4.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 69/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ 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: Oklahoma (4.75%).
Salary $80K
$4,080
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $120K
$6,120
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $200K
$10,200
/year saved in Oklahoma
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Minnesota (MN)
Tax reality
Minnesota has a progressive state income tax topping at 9.85% for income over $185K. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax under $3M. Not a tax-friendly state for high earners, but quality-of-public-services reflects it.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters are the defining drawback. -10°F, -20°F wind chills, 4+ months of snow cover, and limited daylight. December sunset is at 4:30pm. This is not exaggerated.
- ✕State income tax is progressive and tops out at 9.85% — high relative to the Midwest average.
- ✕Summer is short but genuinely lovely — 75-85°F, humid but not oppressive, 15+ hours of daylight. The flip side is it lasts maybe 10 weeks.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota or Oklahoma cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,380/mo in Minnesota, a $460/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $320K.
Minnesota vs Oklahoma: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma has lower state income tax (4.75%) vs Up to 9.85% in Minnesota. On an $80K salary that's $4,080/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $10,200/year.
Should I move from Minnesota to Oklahoma?
Minnesota has a progressive state income tax topping at 9.85% for income over $185K. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax under $3M. Not a tax-friendly state for high earners, but quality-of-public-services reflects it.
What are the best cities in Minnesota vs Oklahoma?
Minnesota's largest metros include Minneapolis. Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Minnesota suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.