Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Norman, OK (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Phoenix is 43% more expensive than Norman.

$1,458/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 27%
$77,041/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 16%
$381,900 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 37%
$1,430/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 22%
1,624,832
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $11,981/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Norman — common questions

Is Phoenix or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Norman?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Norman?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $11,981/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oklahoma?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Norman details →

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