Moving from Norman, OK to Durham, NC
It is 1202 mi between Norman and Durham β roughly 21h 51m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1202 mi Β· 21h 51m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.9% above Norman β 90.408 β 97.572 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norman | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 48.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.34 |
Durham households earn about 7.9% more than Norman at the median β $65,060 β $79,234 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- 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 household income compare in Norman vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $65,060 in Norman β a 21.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $262,839 in Norman β a 50.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Durham, NC from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 1202 mi and the route typically takes 21h 51m 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 Norman to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1202 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Durham more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 7.9% higher than Norman (97.572 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 Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK Β· Durham, NC.