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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Durham is 38% more expensive than Norman.

$1,412/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 18%
$355,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 33%
$1,434/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 22%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $14,174/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Norman — common questions

Is Durham or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Norman?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Norman?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $14,174/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Norman details →

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