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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Irvine is 237% more expensive than Norman.

$2,893/mo ↑ 172%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 63%
$129,647/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 50%
$1,115,400 ↑ 366%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 79%
$2,904/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 61%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,829/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $21,948/year.

Median household income is $64,587/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Norman — common questions

Is Irvine or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Norman?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $1,829/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Norman?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $64,587/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Norman details →

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