Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Norman, OK (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Fresno is 33% more expensive than Norman.

$1,324/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 20%
$66,804/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 3%
$348,500 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 31%
$1,391/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 19%
543,615
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $1,744/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Norman — common questions

Is Fresno or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Norman?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Norman?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $1,744/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Norman details →

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