Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Norman, OK (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Houston is 16% more expensive than Norman.

$1,313/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 19%
$62,894/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 3%
$253,400 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 6%
$1,316/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 15%
2,300,419
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $2,166/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Norman — common questions

Is Houston or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Norman?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Norman?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $2,166/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oklahoma?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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More Comparisons

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