Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Norman, OK (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Salem is 38% more expensive than Norman.

$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 20%
$71,900/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 10%
$382,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 37%
$1,440/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 22%
176,666
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $6,840/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Norman — common questions

Is Salem or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Norman?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Norman?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $6,840/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Oklahoma?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Norman details →

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