Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to High Point, NC
A move from Oklahoma City, OK to High Point, NC covers 1141 mi and around 20h 24m 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.
1141 mi · 20h 24m by car · OK → AR → TN → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → AR → TN → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Little Rock, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
High Point and Oklahoma City are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.408 vs 92.865); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: High Point typical home at $249,821 is 2.7% above Oklahoma City at $206,713 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 60.1°F vs 61.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 1.9 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 35 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.56 |
Median household income in High Point is 2.7% below Oklahoma City ($66,702 → $61,228, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in High Point compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in High Point compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 20.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is High Point, NC from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 1141 mi and the route typically takes 20h 24m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and High Point?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.1°F in High Point vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.9 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 36.4 in.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 8.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1141 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is High Point more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 2.7% higher than Oklahoma City (92.865 vs 90.408, 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 Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK · High Point, NC.