Edmond, OK vs. Norman, OK: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Edmond vs Norman. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Edmond vs Norman in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Edmond and Norman compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Edmond | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,050 | $950 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $280,000 |
🏆 Winner: Norman. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Norman compared to Edmond.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major monthly expense. In Edmond and Norman, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $120-150/month
- Gas: $40-60/month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $70-90/month
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Some neighborhoods in Edmond have higher water costs due to irrigation needs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly consistent across the Oklahoma City metro area. Expect to spend around $400/month per adult on groceries and household items in either Edmond or Norman.
Eating out is slightly pricier in Edmond, with entrees averaging $12-18 compared to $10-15 in Norman. But both cities offer a good mix of affordable and upscale dining.
🏆 Winner: Norman, but only slightly. Grocery costs are nearly identical, with Norman having a small edge on restaurant prices.
4. Taxes and Fees
Oklahoma has a flat 5% income tax rate statewide. But some key differences:
- Edmond’s property tax rate is 0.92% vs Norman’s 0.84%
- Many neighborhoods in Edmond have HOA fees of $30-100/month
- Norman has higher sales tax: 8.75% vs Edmond’s 8.25%
🏆 Winner: Norman. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give Norman the overall edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
Here’s a full breakdown of the average monthly costs in each city, based on a household earning the median income for the area. Note that these are gross monthly income figures (pre-tax).
| Cost Category | Edmond | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $1,650 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $280 | $270 |
| Groceries | $500 | $480 |
| Transportation | $450 | $420 |
| Taxes | $620 | $580 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $380 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,900 in Edmond | $3,580 in Norman |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Norman is more affordable overall, Edmond has some lifestyle perks that could be worth the extra cost for some families:
- Edmond is known for its top-notch schools, which is a big draw for parents
- Commutes into Oklahoma City are easier from most parts of Edmond
- Norman has a vibrant downtown and lively college town feel
- The University of Oklahoma brings sports, arts, and youthful energy to Norman
7. FAQ
Q: Is Edmond more affordable than Norman?
A: No, Norman has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing, lower taxes, and slightly lower prices for things like dining out.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rental prices are around 10% lower in Norman compared to Edmond. A typical 2BR apartment rents for about $950/month in Norman vs $1,050/month in Edmond.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Norman has lower median home prices, with a typical 3BR house costing around $280,000 compared to $325,000 in Edmond. Property taxes are also slightly lower in Norman.
8. Conclusion
While both Edmond and Norman are great places to live, Norman comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison for Edmond vs Norman. A household moving from Edmond to Norman could easily save $300-400/month on core living costs.
However, Edmond remains popular for its excellent schools, easy city access, and suburban lifestyle. Families with school-age kids may find the premium worthwhile. But for retirees, young professionals, and budget-conscious households, Norman offers a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life.
Carefully weigh the tradeoffs for your lifestyle and review a detailed monthly budget example for Edmond residents or full cost of living guide for Edmond in 2025 to help make your decision. The right choice will be different for every household.