Oklahoma to North Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 7, 2025

Planning a 1,200 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe tornadoes vs mild climate), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and Barbecue Beef Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern Style BBQ Pork
- North Carolina housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
- Rent in North Carolina is 36.40% more expensive than in Oklahoma
- Moving from Oklahoma to North Carolina will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Oklahoma to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC
Oklahoma to North Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to North Carolina
- Severe tornadoes
- Limited job diversity
- Few outdoor activities
- Mild climate
- Thriving job market
- Abundant nature parks
- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic in cities
- Competitive culture
- Low cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- Friendly communities
Pros of moving from Oklahoma to North Carolina
- Say goodbye to severe tornadoes and hello to a mild climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited job diversity and moving to North Carolina with a thriving job market
- Swap the few outdoor activities of Oklahoma for abundant nature parks in North Carolina
Cons of moving from Oklahoma to North Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Oklahoma to live with a higher cost of living in North Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of heavy traffic in cities
- Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to a competitive culture in North Carolina
Oklahoma vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chicken Fried Steak | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Beef Brisket | Eastern Style BBQ Pork |
Most popular street food item | Fried Onion Burgers | Shrimp Burgers |
Most popular vegan food | Buffalo Cauliflower | Barbecue Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | 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 Oklahoma to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Beef Brisket and sumptuous Fried Onion Burgers, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Style BBQ Pork and Shrimp Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Buffalo Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Barbecue Jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and The Mule. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like The Pit Authentic Barbecue, Beasley's Chicken + Honey, and Chef & the Farmer.
When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oklahoma. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in Oklahoma. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in North Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and North Carolina
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial Revival |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, storm shelters | Proximity to beaches, hardwood floors |
- The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of North Carolina.
- Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious backyards and storm shelters, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and hardwood floors.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Oklahoma.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
- North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
- North Carolina housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Oklahomaβs $203,455.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
- Rent in North Carolina is 36.40% more expensive than in Oklahoma.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oklahoma and North Carolina
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
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 | Tornadoes, Hailstorms | Hurricanes, Flooding |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°F / 72Β°F | 88Β°F / 67Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 52Β°F / 32Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36 | 50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 6 | 5 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
- North Carolina has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hailstorms in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in North Carolina.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 6 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
- The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Oklahoma.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and North Carolina
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,673 | $67,481 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.1 | 95.85 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 5.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.90% | 0.85% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.95% | 6.95% |
Top 3 Industries | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing | Technology, Finance, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Modest | Moderate |
Poverty | Slightly Above Average | Average |
Homelessness | Manageable | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 13% more than in Oklahoma
- The COLI in North Carolina will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
- The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 5% in OK
- The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to modest in Oklahoma
- The poverty level is average in North Carolina compared to slightly above average in Oklahoma
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Oklahoma and noticeable in North Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. North Carolina
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative dominance | Mixed, with slight conservative lean |
Local Politics | Republican stronghold in local governance | Competitive balance between Democrats and Republicans |
Religion | Primarily Protestant Christianity | Varied, with strong Protestant presence |
- Oklahoma tends to lean conservative dominance in its political climate
- North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight conservative lean
- North Carolina's religious environment can be described as varied with a strong Protestant presence
- Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant Christianity
Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to North Carolina
Comparison | Oklahoma | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Tulsa | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Washington Elementary School (Norman) Russell Dougherty Elementary School (Edmond) Grove Valley Elementary School (Edmond) | Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte) Endhaven Elementary School (Charlotte) Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Whittier Middle School (Norman) Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond) Central Middle School (Edmond) | Community House Middle School (Charlotte) Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte) Ligon Middle School (Raleigh) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Edmond North High School (Edmond) Norman North High School (Norman) Jenks High School (Jenks) | Green Hope High School (Cary) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte) |
Top 3 private high schools | Holland Hall (Tulsa) Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City) | Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Durham Academy (Durham) Cary Academy (Cary) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Crossings Christian School (Oklahoma City) Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa) Oklahoma Christian School (Edmond) | Ravenscroft School (Raleigh) Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) Greensboro Day School (Greensboro) |
Top 3 School Districts | Edmond Public Schools Norman Public Schools Jenks Public Schools | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools |
How Much Do Oklahoma to North Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 1,200 miles from Oklahoma to North Carolina 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 Oklahoma to North Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oklahoma to North Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

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