Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Norman is 5% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,064/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
$65,060/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
$239,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 25%
$1,121/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
128,714
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,340/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Abilene — common questions

Is Norman or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Abilene?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Abilene?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,340/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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