Moving from Norman, OK to Richmond, VA
The drive from Norman, OK to Richmond, VA runs 1294 mi — about 23h 24m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1294 mi · 23h 24m by car · VA → TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Richmond is 8.2% higher than Norman, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 8.2% above Norman — $262,839 vs $369,646 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Norman (60.7°F) and Richmond (58.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond averages 8.8 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, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.23 |
Median household incomes in Norman ($65,060) and Richmond ($62,671) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-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.
Frequently asked
Is Richmond more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 8.2% higher than Norman (97.858 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, VA from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 1294 mi and the route typically takes 23h 24m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $65,060 in Norman — a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1294 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $262,839 in Norman — a 40.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 60.7°F in Norman (1.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 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 · Richmond, VA.