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North Carolina to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,200 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Oklahoma? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Oklahoma across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risks vs no hurricane threats), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Chicken Fried Steak), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs bungalow, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Chicken Fried Steak & Smoked Brisket
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 26.69% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Oklahoma movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane risks
  • High humidity
  • High property taxes
  • Expensive housing
  • Dense population
ProsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • No hurricane threats
  • Lower humidity levels
  • Lower property taxes
  • Affordable housing
  • More open spaces

Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Landlocked state
  • Fewer historical sites
  • More extreme weather
  • Less cultural diversity
  • No beaches
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Beautiful coastline
  • Rich history
  • Mild winters
  • Diverse culture
  • Variety of beaches

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma

  • Say goodbye to hurricane risks and hello to no hurricane threats
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Oklahoma with lower humidity levels
  • Swap the high property taxes of North Carolina for lower property taxes in Oklahoma
  • Get ready for affordable housing in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastline in North Carolina to live in a landlocked state in Oklahoma
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to more extreme weather in Oklahoma
  • Swap diverse culture for less cultural diversity

North Carolina vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQChicken Fried Steak
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecueSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsIndian Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegetarian Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Cheyenne's Cafe
  • Neeses Sausage
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • El Sombrero
  • Hideaway Pizza
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Chili of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Cheyenne's Cafe, and Neeses Sausage. After the boxes are unpacked in Oklahoma, don't wait too long before making your way to Oklahoma's acclaimed eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, El Sombrero, and Hideaway Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Oklahoma shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Oklahoma compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Oklahoma.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Oklahoma

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanBungalow, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to beaches, modern kitchensLand acreage, open floor plans
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Bungalow and Ranch architecture typical of Oklahoma.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and modern kitchens, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like land acreage and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Oklahoma is less walkable than North Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 26.69% more affordable than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Oklahoma

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Hailstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/6694/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3050/29
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5036
Annual Snowfall (Inches)410
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 8% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Oklahoma has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hailstorms in Oklahoma.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oklahoma is 6 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Oklahoma

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Avg. Household Income$67,481$59,673
Cost of Living Index95.8590.1
State Income Tax5.25%5.00%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6.97%8.95%
Top 3 IndustriesFinancial Services, Aerospace & Defense, BiotechnologyAgriculture, Oil & Gas, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertySignificantSignificant
HomelessnessManageableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 12% less than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Oklahoma will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in OK is 5.00% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Oklahoma is moderate compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is significant in Oklahoma compared to significant in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in North Carolina and manageable in Oklahoma

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Oklahoma

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with competitive swing-state statusConservative, with a strong Republican presence
Local PoliticsDiverse, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural regions more conservativeGenerally conservative, even in urban areas
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant presence of Baptists and MethodistsPrimarily Christian, with a high concentration of Baptists
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative with competitive swing-state status in its political climate
  • Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as conservative with a strong Republican presence
  • Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a high concentration of Baptists
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant presence of Baptists and Methodists

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Oklahoma

ComparisonNorth CarolinaOklahoma
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMorrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Metrolina Regional Scholars' Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Chisholm Elementary School (Edmond)
Washington Elementary School (Norman)
Russell Dougherty Elementary (Edmond)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCommunity House Middle School (Charlotte)
Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Metrolina Regional Scholars' Academy (Charlotte)
Whittier Middle School (Norman)
Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond)
Eisenhower Middle School (Lawton)
Top 3 High SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Classen School of Advanced Studies (Oklahoma City)
Edmond North High School (Edmond)
Norman North High School (Norman)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa)
Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)
Bishop Kelley High School (Tulsa)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Holland Hall (Tulsa)
Oklahoma Christian School (Edmond)
Crossings Christian School (Oklahoma City)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Edmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to Oklahoma Movers Cost?

Moving 1,200 miles from North Carolina to Oklahoma will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,883300 ft3$6.28
1 Bedroom$2,802450 ft3$6.23
2 Bedrooms$4,632750 ft3$6.18
3 Bedrooms$6,7391100 ft3$6.13
4 Bedrooms$9,7221600 ft3$6.08
5+ Bedrooms$10,8471800 ft3$6.03

Top North Carolina to Oklahoma Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Oklahoma movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Oklahoma

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details