Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Norman, OK (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Mesa is 41% more expensive than Norman.

$1,478/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 28%
$78,779/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 17%
$364,300 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 34%
$1,404/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 20%
507,478
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $13,719/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Norman — common questions

Is Mesa or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Norman?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Norman?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $13,719/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oklahoma?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

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