Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Norman, OK (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Columbia is 5% more expensive than Norman.

$1,158/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 8%
$55,653/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 17%
$243,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 2%
$1,169/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 4%
138,019
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $9,407/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Norman — common questions

Is Columbia or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Norman?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Norman?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $9,407/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Oklahoma?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/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 Columbia details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Norman

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia