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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Modesto is 58% more expensive than Norman.

$1,609/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 16%
$415,600 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 42%
$1,613/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 31%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $12,839/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Norman — common questions

Is Modesto or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Norman?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Norman?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $12,839/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Norman details →

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