Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Norman, OK (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Austin is 76% more expensive than Norman.

$1,655/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 36%
$91,461/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 29%
$512,700 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 53%
$1,747/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 36%
967,862
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $26,401/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Norman — common questions

Is Austin or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Norman?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Norman?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $26,401/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Norman details →

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