Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Norman, OK (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Norman.

$1,380/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 13%
$315,200 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 24%
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 25%
2,707,648
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $10,074/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Norman — common questions

Is Chicago or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Norman?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Norman?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $10,074/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oklahoma?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Norman

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia