Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Norman, OK (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Cary is 78% more expensive than Norman.

$1,621/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 34%
$129,399/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 50%
$525,200 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 54%
$1,744/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 36%
176,686
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $64,339/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Norman — common questions

Is Cary or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Norman?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Norman?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $64,339/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Norman details →

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