Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Norman, OK (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Mobile is 13% cheaper than Norman.

$1,029/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 3%
$51,090/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 27%
$170,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 41%
$1,016/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 10%
185,097
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,970/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Norman — common questions

Is Mobile or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Norman?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Norman?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $13,970/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Oklahoma?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Norman

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia