Moving from Norman, OK to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 859 mi from Norman to Knoxville is a 15h 25m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
859 mi Β· 15h 25m by car Β· TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, OK 9, CR EW121 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.408 vs 92.569 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $262,839 to $369,216 moving to Knoxville.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norman | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 55.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Norman (60.7Β°F) and Knoxville (57.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.28 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.4% β $65,060 β $50,994 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 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
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $262,839 in Norman β a 40.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $65,060 in Norman β a 21.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 859 mi and the route typically takes 15h 25m via I 40 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 859 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 2.4% higher than Norman (92.569 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· Knoxville, TN.