Oklahoma vs Arkansas: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Oklahoma vs Arkansas comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Adjacent South Central pair — OK's 4.75% top against AR's 3.9% top (declining further). Both moderate sales tax + low property tax. Oil/gas economies on both sides.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Oklahoma | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 4.50% (progressive) | 3.90% (progressive) |
| State sales tax | 4.50% | 6.50% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.85% | 0.57% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25/hr | $11.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $215,000 | $198,000 |
| Foreclosure type | judicial | non-judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 87.4 | 88 |
| Median household income (2024) | $60,055 | $56,335 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,140/mo | $1,080/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Oklahoma: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,363, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 4.50% on consumption.
- Arkansas: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,047, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.50% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Oklahoma ≈ $$3,400/year; Arkansas ≈ $$2,280/year.
Combined annual state burden (income + property on $400K + 6% of $50K consumption sales tax) — Oklahoma: ~$8,013; Arkansas: ~$7,577.
Why this comparison? Adjacent South Central pair — OK's 4.75% top against AR's 3.9% top (declining further). Both moderate sales tax + low property tax. Oil/gas economies on both sides.
Drill into specific calculators
Oklahoma
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Oklahoma or Arkansas?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Oklahoma has a cost-of-living index of 87.4 and Arkansas is 88 (US average = 100). Median household income: Oklahoma $60,055, Arkansas $56,335. Median 2-bedroom rent: Oklahoma $1,140/mo, Arkansas $1,080/mo. Oklahoma is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Oklahoma or Arkansas have lower income tax in 2026?
Arkansas has a top income-tax rate of 3.90%; Oklahoma has 4.50%. Arkansas is lower at the top bracket.
What about property taxes in Oklahoma vs Arkansas?
Oklahoma's average effective property tax rate is 0.85% (e.g., $3,400/year on a $400,000 home). Arkansas's rate is 0.57% ($2,280/year on $400K). Arkansas has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Oklahoma or Arkansas?
Oklahoma's 2026 minimum wage is $7.25/hour; Arkansas's is $11.00/hour. Arkansas is higher.