Moving from Tulsa, OK to Norfolk, VA
Relocating 1307 mi from Tulsa to Norfolk is a 23h 29m 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.
1307 mi · 23h 29m by car · OK → AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Little Rock, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $217,450 to $306,227 moving to Norfolk.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 45.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Tulsa (61.3°F) and Norfolk (61.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Norfolk averages 3.0 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: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.49 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.8% higher in Norfolk than Tulsa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
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-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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1307 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 9.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 41.0 in.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 9.8% higher than Tulsa (97.941 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 40.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 1307 mi and the route typically takes 23h 29m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Norfolk, VA.