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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Palmdale is 71% more expensive than Norman.

$1,736/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 39%
$81,151/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 20%
$435,300 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 45%
$1,831/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 39%
165,487
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $16,091/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Norman — common questions

Is Palmdale or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Norman?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Norman?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $16,091/year higher in Palmdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Palmdale or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Palmdale details → View Norman details →

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