North Carolina to Oklahoma Moving Guide
Updated June 5, 2025

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
- Hurricane risks
- High humidity
- High property taxes
- Expensive housing
- Dense population
- No hurricane threats
- Lower humidity levels
- Lower property taxes
- Affordable housing
- More open spaces
- Landlocked state
- Fewer historical sites
- More extreme weather
- Less cultural diversity
- No beaches
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Chicken Fried Steak |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern NC Barbecue | Smoked Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Indian Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegetarian Chili |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Bungalow, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, modern kitchens | Land 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 Carolinaβs $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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Tornadoes, Hailstorms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 88/66 | 94/72 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50/30 | 50/29 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50 | 36 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 4 | 10 |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $59,673 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 90.1 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 5.00% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.97% | 8.95% |
Top 3 Industries | Financial Services, Aerospace & Defense, Biotechnology | Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Aerospace |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Significant | Significant |
Homelessness | Manageable | Manageable |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately conservative, with competitive swing-state status | Conservative, with a strong Republican presence |
Local Politics | Diverse, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural regions more conservative | Generally conservative, even in urban areas |
Religion | Primarily Christian, with a significant presence of Baptists and Methodists | Primarily 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Morrisville 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 Schools | Community 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 Schools | North 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 schools | Charlotte 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 schools | Cary 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 Districts | Chapel 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,883 | 300 ft3 | $6.28 |
1 Bedroom | $2,802 | 450 ft3 | $6.23 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,632 | 750 ft3 | $6.18 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,739 | 1100 ft3 | $6.13 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,722 | 1600 ft3 | $6.08 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,847 | 1800 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.

Just Move It, LLC
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Oklahoma