Oklahoma City, OK vs. Norman, OK: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Oklahoma and comparing Oklahoma City vs Norman? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living breakdown:
- 🏘️ Housing costs: 15% lower in OKC
- ⚡ Utilities: 8% higher in Norman
- 🥑 Groceries: Nearly equal
- 🚗 Transportation: 12% cheaper in Norman
- 💸 Taxes: Property taxes 0.5% lower in OKC
For families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living between these two Oklahoma cities, let’s dive into the details to see which fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Oklahoma City and Norman. Typical housing costs:
| Housing Type | Oklahoma City | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,100 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,350 | $1,600 |
🏆 Winner: Oklahoma City. Housing costs are about 15% lower in OKC compared to Norman.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Norman residents paying about 8% more per month on average:
- Oklahoma City: $180/month
- Norman: $195/month
Seasonal swings impact both cities. Expect higher A/C bills in the summer and increased heating costs in winter. Both cities offer “average billing” programs to help level out utility expenses.
🏆 Winner: Oklahoma City, but only by a small margin. Moving from Norman to OKC might save you $15/month on utilities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly equal between Oklahoma City and Norman. Expect to pay around $350-400 per month to feed a single adult, or $900+ for a family of four.
Restaurant prices are also comparable, although Norman has a slight edge with its variety of affordable casual eateries catering to the college crowd.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Your grocery and dining out budget should stay stable in either city.
4. Taxes and Fees
Oklahoma has relatively low taxes across the board. Key differences between OKC and Norman:
- OKC property tax rate: 1.2%
- Norman property tax rate: 1.7%
- Norman has a $3/month public safety fee
- OKC has higher auto registration fees
HOA fees tend to be higher in Norman, often including more amenities and landscaping services compared to OKC.
🏆 Winner: Oklahoma City. Lower property taxes and fees give OKC the overall advantage.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Oklahoma City | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $950 – $1,350 | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $195 |
| Groceries | $350 – $900 | $350 – $900 |
| Transportation | $60 | $53 |
| Taxes | 1.2% property | 1.7% property + $3 fee |
| Misc Expenses | $200 | $200 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $1,740 – $2,690 | $1,898 – $2,948 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Oklahoma City offers more affordable housing and lower taxes, but Norman provides a vibrant college town atmosphere, walkable neighborhoods, and accessible public transit.
OKC is 8°F warmer on average than Norman, so expect higher summer cooling costs. Norman is slightly wetter, which means more green lawns but also more yard upkeep.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Oklahoma City more affordable than Norman?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is about 10% lower overall compared to Norman, primarily due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rent prices are around 15% lower on average in Oklahoma City vs Norman.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Oklahoma City has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. Use this monthly budget calculator for Oklahoma City to estimate your costs.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Oklahoma City comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison for 2025. The lower housing costs and taxes in OKC can help you stretch your budget further.
However, Norman’s lively downtown and university presence may be worth the small premium for some. It comes down to your lifestyle priorities.
Considering other Oklahoma cities? Check out our cost of living breakdowns for Tulsa, Edmond, and more.