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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Montgomery is 16% cheaper than Norman.

$1,059/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ≈ Same
$55,687/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 17%
$148,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 61%
$1,023/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 10%
198,440
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,373/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Norman — common questions

Is Montgomery or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Norman?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Norman?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $9,373/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 Montgomery or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Norman details →

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