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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Tempe is 58% more expensive than Norman.

$1,623/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 34%
$77,643/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 16%
$421,900 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 43%
$1,554/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 28%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $12,583/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Norman — common questions

Is Tempe or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Norman?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Norman?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $12,583/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Norman

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia