Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Norman, OK (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Memphis is 11% cheaper than Norman.

$1,123/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 5%
$51,211/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 27%
$157,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 52%
$1,087/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 3%
629,063
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $13,849/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Norman — common questions

Is Memphis or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Norman?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Norman?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $13,849/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Oklahoma?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Norman details →

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