Moving from Odessa, TX to Norman, OK
The 446 mi from Odessa to Norman translate to about 8h 16m behind the wheel through 2 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.
446 mi · 8h 16m by car · OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 277, TX 70, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Abilene, Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Odessa (93.896) and Norman (90.408) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $251,239 vs $262,839 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Odessa | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 31 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.5 |
Income steps down 3.7%: $73,030 in Odessa vs $65,060 in Norman.
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 Texas 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Norman average 93°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.
- Register to vote in Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $73,030 in Odessa — a 10.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Norman?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 446 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Norman, OK from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 446 mi and the route typically takes 8h 16m via US 277 and TX 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norman compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Norman MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Norman compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $251,239 in Odessa — a 4.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Odessa and Norman?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.7°F in Norman vs 64.4°F in Odessa (3.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 4.1 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 37.7 in vs 12.3 in.
Is Norman more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norman is 3.7% lower than Odessa (90.408 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX · Norman, OK.