Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,238/mo). State income tax: Tennessee (None) vs Oklahoma (4.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,700/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Oklahoma vs Tennessee
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
Oklahoma vs Tennessee at a Glance
| Metric | Oklahoma | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $920 ✓ | $1,238 |
| Avg median home price | $210K ✓ | $304K |
| Cheapest city | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ | Memphis ($980) |
| Priciest city | Oklahoma City ($920) | Nashville ($1,520) |
| State income tax | 4.75% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 31/100 | 35/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 4 |
✓ 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: Tennessee (None).
Salary $80K
$3,800
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $120K
$5,700
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $200K
$9,500
/year saved in Tennessee
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
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).
Tennessee (TN)
Tax reality
Tennessee has no state income tax on W-2 wages or investment income. Sales tax is 7% state + local, totaling 9.25-9.75% in most metros — one of the highest sales tax rates in the US. No estate tax. Property tax is low (~0.7% effective in Nashville, lower in rural areas).
Top cities (4 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Sales tax 9.25%+ is punishing. Every purchase stings — gas, groceries (yes, groceries are taxed here), and retail.
- ✕Nashville traffic has become very bad as the metro has grown. I-24 and I-65 corridor are regularly backed up; the state has underinvested in transit.
- ✕Summers are humid subtropical — regular 90°F + 75% humidity from June through September, and thunderstorm season can be intense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma or Tennessee cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,238/mo in Tennessee, a $318/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $304K.
Oklahoma vs Tennessee: which has lower state income tax?
Tennessee has lower state income tax (None) vs 4.75% in Oklahoma. On an $80K salary that's $3,800/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,500/year.
Should I move from Oklahoma to Tennessee?
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.
What are the best cities in Oklahoma vs Tennessee?
Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Tennessee's largest metros include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Oklahoma suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.