Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Athens, GA (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Norman is 8% cheaper than Athens.

$1,064/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 9%
$65,060/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 21%
$239,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 14%
$1,121/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 4%
128,714
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $13,405/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Athens — common questions

Is Norman or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Athens?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Athens?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $13,405/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Georgia?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Athens details →

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