Midwest City, OK vs. Norman, OK: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Midwest City vs Norman. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Midwest City vs Norman in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Midwest City and Norman compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Midwest City | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $850 | $1,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $180,000 | $240,000 |
🏆 Winner: Midwest City
Midwest City offers more affordable housing options, with lower apartment rents and home prices compared to Norman. A household moving from Norman to Midwest City might save $300 per month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for a typical apartment in either location. Summers tend to have higher electric bills for air conditioning.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Midwest City and Norman. Budget around $300-400 per month for a single person. Eating out is also similarly priced, with fast casual meals around $10-15 and nicer dinners $25+.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Norman at around 1.1% vs 0.9% in Midwest City. However, many neighborhoods in Midwest City have HOA fees that can add $100-300 per month. City service fees are similar.
🏆 Winner: Midwest City
Cost Summary
| Category | Midwest City | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $850 | $1,100 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Groceries | $350 | $350 |
| Transportation | $60 | $50 |
| Taxes & Fees | $200 | $250 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $1,885 | $2,175 |
Lifestyle Fit
Midwest City offers a quieter suburban feel with more affordable housing, while Norman has a vibrant college town atmosphere near the University of Oklahoma. Norman has more walkable areas and public transit. Commutes are reasonable to Oklahoma City from both.
FAQ
Is Midwest City more affordable than Norman?
Yes, Midwest City has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Midwest City has lower typical rent prices. You can save around $200-300 per month renting a similar apartment in Midwest City vs Norman.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Midwest City has lower median home prices. Expect to pay around $50,000 less for a comparable home in Midwest City compared to Norman.
The Bottom Line
Midwest City is the more affordable option, best for those prioritizing housing costs. Norman’s lively college environment may appeal to some, for a slightly higher cost of living. Be sure to budget based on your specific needs in either city.
For more info, check out our full Midwest City cost of living guide or other city comparisons across Oklahoma.