Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Norman is 24% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,064/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 23%
$65,060/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 2%
$239,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 46%
$1,121/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 22%
128,714
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $1,160/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Norman or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Wilmington?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Wilmington?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,160/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and North Carolina?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norman details → View Wilmington details →

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