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Deere Employees Weighing Oklahoma: Lower Costs, Lower Taxes, and a Different Kind of Retirement

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Deere: Deere & Company, known for its agricultural machinery and equipment, primarily offers healthcare benefits to its employees through a network of health insurance providers. These usually include notable insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, depending on the specific location and employment agreements. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are poised to increase significantly, largely driven by anticipated rate hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports indicate that premiums could rise by as much as 75% for a substantial majority of enrollees if enhanced federal premium subsidies expire. Coupled with rising medical service costs and inflation pressures, the ACA's potential median premium increase of 18% could lead many employees and their families, including those at Deere, to face markedly higher healthcare expenses just as the industry grapples with supply chain and labor cost challenges. This situation underscores the urgent need for employee awareness and strategic planning in the upcoming open enrollment periods. Click here to learn more

'Deere employees weighing a move from California to Oklahoma should recognize that differences in state taxes, property values, and cost of living can influence how long their retirement savings last.' — Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Deere employees evaluating retirement options can benefit from comparing states like California and Oklahoma, where differences in taxation and living expenses may directly impact long-term financial stability.' — Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. How taxes in California and Oklahoma impact retirees and their income.

  2. The differences in cost of living, property values, and daily expenses between the two states.

  3. Programs and lifestyle considerations, such as Tulsa Remote and health care access, that may influence relocation decisions.

The thought of leaving behind California's vibrant cities, golden beaches, and Mediterranean-like climate may seem unthinkable to many residents. The state continues to draw attention from around the world because of its world-class amenities, varied cultural life, and natural beauty. However, California's growing cost of living, high state taxes, and skyrocketing housing costs have put a heavy financial burden on those on fixed incomes like Social Security and pensions. Some employees at Deere are therefore looking at alternatives that offer a more sustainable retirement way of life. Oklahoma is one place that is becoming more popular.

Due to advantageous tax laws, reduced housing prices, and even incentive programs like Tulsa Remote, hundreds of Californians have moved to Oklahoma in recent years. 1  While Oklahoma may not be the best option for every retiree, there are sufficient financial differences between the two states that they should be carefully considered.

California versus Oklahoma Tax Comparisons

Retirement planning heavily relies on taxes, and there are significant disparities between California and Oklahoma. The tax code in California is particularly difficult for retirees who have several sources of income, according to Carlos Hernandez of Wealth Enhancement. Although Social Security benefits are not taxed in California, the state's progressive tax system applies to pensions, 401k contributions, and other retirement income. Rates can reach 12.3% for many taxpayers, while the highest incomes can pay up to 13.3%, 2  which is the highest state income tax rate in the country.

In contrast, Oklahoma offers retirees 65 and older a $10,000 deduction on other types of retirement income in addition to exempting Social Security income from taxes. 3  Oklahoma's highest marginal income tax rate is 4.75%, 3  which is far lower than California's even without taking this deduction into account.

These differences can result in annual tax savings of thousands of dollars for seniors who receive both Social Security and pensions. Take, for instance, a person who receives $30,000 in Social Security benefits in addition to a $40,000 pension. The pension income would be subject to full state taxation in California. In Oklahoma, Social Security would be completely untaxed, $10,000 of the pension income would be exempt, and the remaining taxable pension amount would be subject to significantly lower rates. As a result, the tax burden is considerably lighter, giving the household budget more flexibility.

Cost of Living and Property Values

The financial equation consists of more than just taxes. The housing market in California puts additional financial strain on seniors, claims Kevin Won of Wealth Enhancement. California routinely has some of the highest property values in the country. The base property tax payment is still correlated with high market values, despite the fact that established safeguards like Proposition 13 restrict yearly increases in property tax assessments. The absolute cost is nevertheless high in comparison to national norms, even if householders 55 and older may relocate their tax base under specific circumstances. 4

The problem is made worse by insurance premiums. In California, plans that cover the danger of earthquakes or wildfires are not only costly, but they are also getting harder to obtain in high-risk locations.

The real estate market in Oklahoma paints a completely different picture. Compared to many California regions, the median home value is less than half. 5  Reduced property taxes are a direct result of lower property prices. Although Oklahoma does not provide tax-base transfers or unique senior exemptions like California does, retirees frequently still benefit from lower total valuations.

Additionally, Oklahoma benefits from a lower overall cost of living. Daily costs, such as groceries, utilities, and medical care, are often less than in California. Retirement savings can extend further thanks to the combined impact of lower housing, insurance, and daily expenses, which gives people greater flexibility in choosing their spending and lifestyle preferences.

Rewards Initiatives: Tulsa Remote

Tulsa Remote is one distinctive program contributing to Oklahoma's rising popularity. This program was started in 2018 with the goal of luring remote workers to Tulsa by providing cash incentives and opportunities for community integration. The program offers $10,000 to participants who agree to stay in Tulsa for a minimum of one year.

Over 60,000 applications have been submitted to Tulsa Remote since its launch, with almost 8,000 of those applications coming from California. 6  As a result, nearly 3,600 participants have relocated to Tulsa. 6  Despite focusing on working professionals rather than retirees, this program has helped spread awareness about Oklahoma's affordability and livability.

The Practical Financial Impact

The practical impact is better demonstrated by going over the previous financial case again. In California, a retiree with $40,000 in pension income and $30,000 in Social Security would pay high taxes; nevertheless, in Oklahoma, they would receive large benefits. Once the $10,000 exemption and reduced marginal rates are applied, the difference could result in yearly savings of thousands of dollars.

Beyond taxes, long-term financial consistency is strengthened by being able to buy a home for half as much, or less, than in many California markets. Over time, lower utility costs, lower insurance premiums, and overall cost-of-living reductions can add up to provide more discretionary income for leisure, travel, or building retirement stability.

In Conclusion

Although California is still a popular place to live, seniors are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the state's high taxes, high property values, and overall cost of living. Oklahoma is a strong alternative because of its low tax rates, $10,000 retirement income exemption, reasonably priced housing market, and lower cost of living.

According to a recent analysis, retirees in Oklahoma could maintain their financial resources for roughly 51 years with $1.5 million in savings and Social Security benefits, far exceeding the 24 years estimated in California. 7  This difference is primarily due to Oklahoma's significantly lower annual cost of living (about $29,666) 7  than to California's high expenses.

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Sources:

1. MSN. ' Hundreds of Californians have been paid $10,000 to relocate to Oklahoma ,' by Hannah Fry. August 15, 2025. 

2. Nerdwallet. ' California State Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2024-2025 ,' by Sabrina Parys. June 5, 2025. 

3. SmartAsset. ' Oklahoma Retirement Tax Friendliness .' 2025.

4. California State Board of Equalization. ' Transfer of Base Year Value for Persons Age 55 and Over - Propositions 60/90 .' 2025.

5. Forbes. ' Median Home Price by State ,' by Kiah Treece. July 29, 2025. 

6. SF Gate. ' The surprising destination luring California transplants with $10,000 ,' by Tessa McLean. August 4, 2025. 

7. CNBC. ' $1.5 million is the 'magic number' for retirement savings--here's how long it lasts in every U.S. state ,' by Mike Winters. Mar. 15, 2025. 

What is the purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the plan's website or contacting the HR department for enrollment instructions.

What types of contributions can employees make to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Deere offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Deere offers a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Deere's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Deere's company match varies based on the employee's length of service, and employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

What investment options are available in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere if I leave the company?

If you leave Deere, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.

Are there penalties for withdrawing funds from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before retirement?

Yes, there may be penalties for early withdrawals from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before age 59½, along with potential tax implications.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Deere provides RSUs and stock options to eligible employees.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Deere at 1 John Deere Pl Moline, IL 61265; or by calling them at (309) 765-8000.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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