Moving from Durham, NC to Norman, OK
Relocating 1202 mi from Durham to Norman is a 21h 51m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1202 mi Β· 21h 51m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.3% cheaper overall in Norman than Durham on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 37.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Norman gets around 4.1 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.3% lower in Norman than Durham.
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 North Carolina 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Norman average 93Β°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 β 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 much do homes cost in Norman compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $396,395 in Durham β a 33.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Norman?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1202 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Norman more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norman is 7.3% lower than Durham (90.408 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Norman, OK from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 1202 mi and the route typically takes 21h 51m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norman compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Norman MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $79,234 in Durham β a 17.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Norman, OK.