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 better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
Our Recommendation
Texas
Offers approximately $718/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
TX
Better Taxes
TX
Lower COL
OK
Higher Stipends
TX
Best Net Income
TX
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Oklahoma | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $40/hr | TX |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,737 | $2,972 | TX |
| State Income Tax | None | 5% | TX |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $3,295 | $2,508 | TX |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 87.9 | OK |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,100/mo | $800/mo | OK |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,337 | $812 | TX |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $3,041 | $2,323 | TX |
Texas Overview
Pay: Texas offers $46/hr average with $3,737/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 $2,972/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 5% state income tax, 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 provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Texas or Oklahoma better for travel nurse taxes?
Texas is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Oklahoma has a 5% state tax.
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 $1,897/week compared to $1,372/week in Oklahoma.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Texas or Oklahoma?
Based on our analysis, Texas offers approximately $718 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Texas is compact, Oklahoma is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.