Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Norman is 16% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,064/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 18%
$65,060/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 36%
$239,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 5%
$1,121/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
128,714
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $23,256/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Elgin — common questions

Is Norman or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Elgin?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Elgin?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $23,256/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Illinois?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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