Moving from Norman, OK to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 976 mi from Norman to Tempe is a 17h 36m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
976 mi · 17h 36m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 14.3% above Norman — 90.408 → 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.3% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 8.8" |
Expect 11.1°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.3% higher in Tempe than Norman.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Norman and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 60.7°F in Norman (11.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 37.7 in.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $65,060 in Norman — a 19.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $262,839 in Norman — a 78.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 976 mi and the route typically takes 17h 36m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 976 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tempe more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 14.3% higher than Norman (103.316 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · Tempe, AZ.