Moving from Tulsa, OK to Raleigh, NC
A move from Tulsa, OK to Raleigh, NC covers 1152 mi and around 20h 44m 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.
1152 mi · 20h 44m by car · NC → VA → TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA → TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Raleigh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.214 in Tulsa to 98.157 in Raleigh, a 10.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Raleigh: 10.0% above Tulsa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Raleigh -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 4.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Raleigh gets around 4.5 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 470,763 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $82,424 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 32.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Raleigh is 10.0% above Tulsa ($58,407 vs $82,424, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Raleigh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,880 | $43,660 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 75,400 | $39,140 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 60,210 | $28,910 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 57,420 | $35,780 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,150 | $79,300 |
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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 Raleigh average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
Is Raleigh more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Raleigh is 10.0% higher than Tulsa (98.157 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Raleigh, NC from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 1152 mi and the route typically takes 20h 44m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Raleigh?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1152 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 Raleigh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,424 in Raleigh vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 41.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Raleigh compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,996 in Raleigh vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 99.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Raleigh?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.1°F in Raleigh vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 4.5 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 49.4 in vs 41.0 in.
How does the job market in Raleigh compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 443,020 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 Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Raleigh, NC.