Moving from Norman, OK to Memphis, TN
The 476 mi from Norman to Memphis translate to about 8h 28m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
476 mi · 8h 28m by car · TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, OK 9, CR EW121 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Norman are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.408 vs 92.179); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 2.0% under Norman at $262,839 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 60.7°F vs 63.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.0% between Norman and Memphis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
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 — 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — 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 far is Memphis, TN from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 476 mi and the route typically takes 8h 28m via I 40 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 60.7°F in Norman (2.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 37.7 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 2.0% higher than Norman (92.179 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $262,839 in Norman — a 44.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 476 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $65,060 in Norman — a 21.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 656,800 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 Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · Memphis, TN.