Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Norman is 36% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,064/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 51%
$65,060/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 17%
$239,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 65%
$1,121/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 49%
128,714
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $11,145/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Lowell — common questions

Is Norman or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Lowell?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Lowell?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $11,145/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Massachusetts?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Lowell details →

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