Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Norman, OK (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Worcester is 37% more expensive than Norman.

$1,415/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 4%
$339,500 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 30%
$1,521/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 26%
205,501
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $2,484/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Norman — common questions

Is Worcester or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Norman?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Norman?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $2,484/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oklahoma?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Norman details →

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