State Comparison
Arkansas vs Oklahoma
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Both states are evenly matched, each winning in 8 metrics — your decision should depend on which factors matter most to you.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $229,000 in Arkansas vs $225,000 in Oklahoma — a $4,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Arkansas has a 3.9% top income tax rate while Oklahoma has a 4.5% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.56% vs 0.79%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Arkansas's index is 89.1 and Oklahoma's is 83.5 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Arkansas and Oklahoma data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas or Oklahoma more affordable?
Oklahoma has a lower cost of living index (83.5) compared to Arkansas (89.1), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Arkansas or Oklahoma?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, Oklahoma is lower on more of them. Arkansas has a 3.9% top income tax, 6.5% state sales tax, and a 0.56% effective property tax rate. Oklahoma has a 4.5% top income tax, 4.5% state sales tax, and a 0.79% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in Arkansas vs Oklahoma?
The typical home value in Arkansas is $229,000 compared to $225,000 in Oklahoma (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,083/month in Arkansas vs $1,136/month in Oklahoma.
Which state is better for starting a business — Arkansas or Oklahoma?
LLC filing costs are $45 in Arkansas vs $100 in Oklahoma, with annual fees of $150 and $25 respectively. Arkansas's 3.9% top tax rate compared to Oklahoma's 4.5% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Arkansas to Oklahoma?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Arkansas and Oklahoma
When deciding between living in Arkansas or Oklahoma, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
Arkansas (AR) has a median household income of $62,106 with a cost of living index of 89.1. Oklahoma (OK) has a median household income of $66,148 with a cost of living index of 83.5. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Arkansas calculator or Oklahoma calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.