Moving from Broken Arrow, OK to Columbia, MO
Relocating between Broken Arrow, OK and Columbia, MO is a 342 mi drive β 6h 20m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
342 mi Β· 6h 20m by car Β· MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 54, US 63 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Broken Arrow | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.3% above Broken Arrow β $286,846 β $321,091 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Broken Arrow +2.1%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Broken Arrow | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 17.4 in of snowfall annually at Columbia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIXBY, OK US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Broken Arrow | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,919 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $85,220 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 37 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.48 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.3% β $85,220 β $64,488 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Columbia more expensive than Broken Arrow?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 0.3% higher than Broken Arrow (89.438 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Broken Arrow to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 342 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Broken Arrow?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Broken Arrow vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $85,220 in Broken Arrow β a 24.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Columbia, MO from Broken Arrow, OK?
The driving distance is 342 mi and the route typically takes 6h 20m via I 44 and US 54. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Broken Arrow?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $286,846 in Broken Arrow β a 11.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Broken Arrow.
City profiles: Broken Arrow, OK Β· Columbia, MO.