Moving from Norman, OK to Huntsville, AL
A move from Norman, OK to Huntsville, AL covers 678 mi and around 12h 36m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
678 mi · 12h 36m by car · AL → MS → TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → MS → TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Huntsville and Norman is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Huntsville is 2.9% above Norman ($287,569 vs $262,839 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 54.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Norman (60.7°F) and Huntsville (62.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Huntsville averages 2.4 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: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.33 |
Median household income in Huntsville is 2.9% above Norman ($65,060 → $70,778, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
Winter driving along this route
- 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 Huntsville average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Huntsville averages 54.3 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $262,839 in Norman — a 9.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 678 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 678 mi and the route typically takes 12h 36m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Huntsville compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 250,940 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $65,060 in Norman — a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 2.9% higher than Norman (93.072 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Huntsville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 62.9°F in Huntsville vs 60.7°F in Norman (2.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.4 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.3 in vs 37.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · Huntsville, AL.