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

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Downey

California
169

Norman is 55% cheaper than Downey.

$1,064/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 78%
$65,060/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 34%
$239,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 204%
$1,121/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 78%
128,714
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $22,340/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Downey — common questions

Is Norman or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Downey?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Downey?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $22,340/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norman and Downey

Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens