Moving from Billings, MT to Tulsa, OK
The drive from Billings, MT to Tulsa, OK runs 1245 mi — about 20h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1245 mi · 20h 52m by car · OK → KS → CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS → CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Wichita, Aurora, Centennial, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Tulsa and Billings is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tulsa is 4.6% below Billings — $392,209 vs $217,450 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 41.0" |
Climate warms by 13.1°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 61.3°F.
Tulsa averages 8.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.41 |
Income steps down 4.6%: $71,855 in Billings vs $58,407 in Tulsa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tulsa average 94°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 warmer climate (13.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tulsa, OK from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1245 mi and the route typically takes 20h 52m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1245 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $71,855 in Billings — a 18.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $392,209 in Billings — a 44.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Tulsa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.3°F in Tulsa vs 48.2°F in Billings (13.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.7 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 41.0 in vs 14.3 in.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 4.6% lower than Billings (89.214 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 89,600 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Tulsa, OK.