Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Norman, OK (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Baltimore is 11% more expensive than Norman.

$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 18%
$59,623/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 9%
$219,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 9%
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 16%
577,193
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $5,437/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Norman — common questions

Is Baltimore or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Norman?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Norman?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $5,437/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Oklahoma?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Norman

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia