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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Surprise is 66% more expensive than Norman.

$1,917/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 44%
$93,371/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 30%
$396,000 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 40%
$1,587/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 29%
149,519
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $853/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $10,236/year.

Median household income is $28,311/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Norman — common questions

Is Surprise or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Norman?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $853/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Norman?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $28,311/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Norman

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia