Texas vs Oklahoma: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Texas and Oklahoma. Based on our analysis, Texas offers more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Texas
Offers approximately $668/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
TX
Better Taxes
TX
Lower COL
OK
Higher Stipends
TX
Best Discretionary Income
TX
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Oklahoma | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $40/hr | TX |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,744 | $3,007 | TX |
| State Income Tax | None | Applies | TX |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 87.9 | OK |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,100/mo | $800/mo | OK |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,344 | $847 | TX |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,490 | $2,822 | TX |
Texas Overview
Pay: Texas offers $46/hr average with $3,744/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 92.7 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Oklahoma Overview
Pay: Oklahoma offers $40/hr average with $3,007/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 87.9 with average rent of $800/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Texas or Oklahoma?
Texas offers higher gross pay at $46/hr compared to $40/hr. However, Texas offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Texas or Oklahoma better for travel nurse taxes?
Texas is more tax-friendly — it has no state income tax, while Oklahoma does levy one (we don't publish a specific rate; check its official tax tables or your own known rate in the calculator).
What is the cost of living difference between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has a COL index of 92.7 while Oklahoma is 87.9. Average 1BR rent: Texas $1100/mo vs Oklahoma $800/mo. Oklahoma is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Texas offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,904/week compared to $1,407/week in Oklahoma.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Texas or Oklahoma?
Based on our analysis, Texas offers approximately $668 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Texas is compact, Oklahoma is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.