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

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Norman is 70% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,064/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 100%
$65,060/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 67%
$239,300 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 465%
$1,121/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 109%
128,714
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,063/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $12,756/year.

Median household income is $43,498/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Norman or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Berkeley?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,063/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Berkeley?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $43,498/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Berkeley details →

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