Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Norman, OK (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Denver is 93% more expensive than Norman.

$1,770/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 40%
$91,681/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 29%
$586,700 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 59%
$1,839/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 39%
713,734
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $26,621/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Norman — common questions

Is Denver or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Norman?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Norman?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $26,621/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oklahoma?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Norman

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia