Moving from Tempe, AZ to Norman, OK
Relocating 976 mi from Tempe to Norman is a 17h 36m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
976 mi · 17h 36m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Norman | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.5% moving from Tempe to Norman — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $468,281 in Tempe to $262,839 in Norman, a 12.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Norman +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 4.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 37.7" |
Expect 11.1°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, NORMAN 3SSE, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 128,714 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $65,060 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.5% lower in Norman than Tempe.
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 Arizona 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Norman average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 far is Norman, OK from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 976 mi and the route typically takes 17h 36m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 976 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Norman more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norman is 12.5% lower than Tempe (90.408 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Norman?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.7°F in Norman vs 71.8°F in Tempe (11.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 4.1 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 37.7 in vs 8.8 in.
How does the job market in Norman compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Norman MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Norman?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,060 in Norman vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 16.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Norman compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,839 in Norman vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 43.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Norman, OK.