Moving from Norman, OK to Tulsa, OK
The 132 mi from Norman to Tulsa translate to about 2h 31m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
132 mi · 2h 31m by car · OK
Distance & route
| Route through | OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 335, OK 3 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Tulsa and Norman are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.408 vs 89.214); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.3% lower in Tulsa than Norman as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 41.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 60.7°F vs 61.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 8.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.41 |
Income steps down 1.3%: $65,060 in Norman vs $58,407 in Tulsa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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 Tulsa average 94°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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Norman to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 132 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 132 mi and the route typically takes 2h 31m via I 44 and I 335. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Tulsa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.3°F in Tulsa vs 60.7°F in Norman (0.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.7 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 41.0 in vs 37.7 in.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $65,060 in Norman — a 10.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $262,839 in Norman — a 17.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 1.3% lower than Norman (89.214 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 443,020 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 · Tulsa, OK.