Moving from Boulder, CO to Norman, OK
A move from Boulder, CO to Norman, OK covers 719 mi and around 12h 34m of driving through 3 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.
719 mi · 12h 34m by car · OK → KS → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Wichita, Aurora, Centennial, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Norman are 14.1% below Boulder — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Norman typical home at $262,839 is 14.1% under Boulder at $964,531 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boulder | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 37.7" |
Norman runs 9.2°F warmer on the annual average (51.5°F vs 60.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Expect 4.1 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.5 |
Median household income in Norman is 14.1% below Boulder ($85,364 vs $65,060, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Colorado 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 the job market in Norman compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Norman MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Boulder 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 719 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Boulder and Norman?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.7°F in Norman vs 51.5°F in Boulder (9.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 4.1 in vs 92.8 in. Annual precipitation: 37.7 in vs 21.2 in.
Is Norman more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norman is 14.1% lower than Boulder (90.408 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $85,364 in Boulder — a 23.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Norman, OK from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 719 mi and the route typically takes 12h 34m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Norman compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $964,531 in Boulder — a 72.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO · Norman, OK.