Side-by-side tax comparison between Mississippi (4% top rate, flat) and Oklahoma (4.5% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Mississippi uses a flat income tax (4% flat) while Oklahoma has a graduated system (0.25-4.5%). On a $100K salary, Mississippi takes $4,000 in state and local taxes compared to Oklahoma’s $2,925 \u2014 a difference of $1,075.
Because Mississippi has flat brackets while Oklahoma is graduated, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Mississippi’s flat rate is predictable, while Oklahoma’s graduated brackets may benefit lower earners but penalize higher incomes.
Oklahoma wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Mississippi | Oklahoma | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,720 | $33,150 | +$430 | Oklahoma |
| $50K | $40,355 | $40,893 | +$538 | Oklahoma |
| $60K | $47,990 | $48,635 | +$645 | Oklahoma |
| $75K | $58,538 | $59,344 | +$806 | Oklahoma |
| $100K | $75,125 | $76,200 | +$1,075 | Oklahoma |
| $120K | $88,395 | $89,685 | +$1,290 | Oklahoma |
| $150K | $107,751 | $109,364 | +$1,613 | Oklahoma |
| $200K | $140,887 | $143,037 | +$2,150 | Oklahoma |
| $250K | $173,264 | $175,952 | +$2,688 | Oklahoma |
| $300K | $203,329 | $206,554 | +$3,225 | Oklahoma |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Mississippi has a cost of living index of 83 while Oklahoma is at 87 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (83 vs 87), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $90,512 in Mississippi vs $87,586 in Oklahoma.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,710 in Mississippi and $81,785 in Oklahoma \u2014 a difference of $1,075. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Mississippi to Oklahoma would save $1,075/year on a $100K salary, or $5,375 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,075/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.