Moving from Abilene, TX to Norman, OK
Relocating between Abilene, TX and Norman, OK is a 292 mi drive — 5h 33m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
292 mi · 5h 33m by car · OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 277, US 82, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.364 vs 90.408 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $210,016 to $262,839 moving to Norman.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 37.7" |
Expect 5.2°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Norman averages 4.1 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.5 |
Median household incomes in Abilene ($62,720) and Norman ($65,060) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norman MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Norman average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 3.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Norman?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 292 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Norman compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Norman MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Norman?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.7°F in Norman vs 65.9°F in Abilene (5.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 4.1 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.7 in vs 25.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Norman compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 25.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Norman, OK from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 292 mi and the route typically takes 5h 33m via US 277 and US 82. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Norman, OK.