Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Norman, OK (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Madison is 36% more expensive than Norman.

$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 22%
$76,983/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 31%
$1,476/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 24%
275,568
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $11,923/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Norman — common questions

Is Madison or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Norman?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Norman?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $11,923/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Oklahoma?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Norman details →

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