The Village, OK vs. Norman, OK: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons – a family of four debating a move from Norman to The Village, Oklahoma. They’re comparing cost of living in The Village versus Norman to see which city better fits their lifestyle and budget in 2025. Let’s break down the key factors in their decision.
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Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest expense for families. Here’s how typical housing costs compare between The Village and Norman:
| Housing Type | The Village | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $950 | $1,150 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $220,000 | $260,000 |
🏆 Winner: The Village. Renting a 2BR apartment costs about $200 less per month in The Village compared to Norman. Buying a home is also more affordable, with median prices around $40,000 lower.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills can add up quickly. In The Village, expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity, gas, water and trash. Costs are fairly consistent year-round thanks to the moderate climate.
Norman residents report spending closer to $200-250 monthly on utilities. The city is a bit larger and spread out, so utility infrastructure and delivery fees tend to be higher.
🏆 Winner: The Village. Utility costs are around $50 cheaper per month compared to Norman.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, plan to budget at least $800-1,000 per month on groceries in either The Village or Norman. Prices are comparable, with basics like milk, eggs and bread costing within a few cents of each other.
Eating out is also similarly priced. A meal for four at a mid-range restaurant runs about $60-80 in both cities. Fast food combos are around $8-10.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and restaurant prices are nearly identical in The Village and Norman.
Taxes and Fees
Oklahoma has relatively low taxes overall. Property taxes in The Village are around 0.87% of assessed home value. In Norman, the rate is slightly higher at 0.94%.
So for a $250,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $2,175 in The Village vs $2,350 in Norman. Both cities have additional local sales taxes around 4% on top of the state rate of 4.5%.
🏆 Winner: The Village. Lower property tax rates give The Village a slight edge over Norman.
Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | The Village | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage/Rent) | $950 – $1,500 | $1,150 – $1,800 |
| Utilities | $150 – $200 | $200 – $250 |
| Groceries | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 – $400 | $300 – $400 |
| Taxes (Property) | 0.87% | 0.94% |
| Misc Expenses | $500 – $800 | $500 – $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,700 – $3,900 | $2,950 – $4,250 |
Lifestyle Fit
The Village offers a quaint, close-knit community vibe with most amenities within walking distance. It’s perfect for families who value a small-town feel.
Norman has more of a college town atmosphere, home to the University of Oklahoma. It’s a bit more spread out but offers great public schools and more diverse entertainment options.
The Village averages 5°F cooler than Norman in the summer months. But both cities enjoy mild winters and plenty of sunshine year-round.
FAQ
- Is The Village more affordable than Norman? Yes, living in The Village is an estimated $250-350 cheaper per month compared to Norman, mainly due to lower housing and utility costs.
- Which city has lower rent? The Village has lower rental rates, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $950 vs $1,150 in Norman.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The Village has lower median home prices around $220,000, while Norman homes average closer to $260,000.
Conclusion
After crunching the numbers, The Village comes out ahead as the more affordable place to live. A family like the Johnsons moving from Norman to The Village could easily save $300 or more per month on basic living costs.
Of course, the best fit depends on your family’s lifestyle priorities too. We recommend budgeting out your monthly expenses to see what you can comfortably afford in each city.
Sold on The Village? Be sure to compare moving company options to get the best rates and service for your relocation. You can also check out our other cost of living breakdowns for cities across Oklahoma.