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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Raleigh is 45% more expensive than Norman.

$1,468/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 28%
$82,424/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 21%
$377,800 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 37%
$1,487/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 25%
470,763
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $17,364/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Norman — common questions

Is Raleigh or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Norman?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Norman?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $17,364/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

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