Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,050/mo). State income tax: Oklahoma (4.75%) vs New Mexico (4.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $180/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
New Mexico 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
New Mexico vs Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | New Mexico | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,050 | $920 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $285K | $210K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Albuquerque ($1,050) | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Albuquerque ($1,050) | Oklahoma City ($920) |
| State income tax | 4.9% | 4.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 42/100 ✓ | 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
$120
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $120K
$180
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $200K
$300
/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
New Mexico (NM)
Tax reality
New Mexico has a progressive state income tax up to 5.9%. Property tax is low (~0.8% effective). Sales/gross receipts tax 5.125% state + local to 7-8%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕New Mexico ranks near the bottom of US states on multiple metrics — poverty rate, child welfare indicators, educational attainment, and violent crime. Public services are underfunded.
- ✕Albuquerque has real public safety concerns — the city has consistently been among the highest-crime per-capita major cities in the US over the past decade.
- ✕Public schools rank near the bottom of US states. Wealthy areas have private schools; public schools in most districts struggle.
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 New Mexico or Oklahoma cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,050/mo in New Mexico, a $130/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $285K.
New Mexico vs Oklahoma: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma has lower state income tax (4.75%) vs 4.9% in New Mexico. On an $80K salary that's $120/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $300/year.
Should I move from New Mexico to Oklahoma?
New Mexico has a progressive state income tax up to 5.9%. Property tax is low (~0.8% effective). Sales/gross receipts tax 5.125% state + local to 7-8%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
What are the best cities in New Mexico vs Oklahoma?
New Mexico's largest metros include Albuquerque. Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a New Mexico suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.