Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Norman is 4% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,064/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 6%
$65,060/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 25%
$239,300 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 1%
$1,121/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 7%
128,714
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $16,524/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Norman or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $16,524/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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