Moving from Columbia, SC to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating 991 mi from Columbia to Broken Arrow is a 17h 58m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
991 mi Β· 17h 58m by car Β· SC β GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 40, I 22 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton, Birmingham, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.662 vs 89.214 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $229,068 to $286,846 moving to Broken Arrow.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Columbia (63.6Β°F) and Broken Arrow (60.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.7% β $55,653 β $85,220 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow 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 South Carolina 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 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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 Broken Arrow, OK from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 991 mi and the route typically takes 17h 58m via I 20 and I 40. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 4.7% lower than Columbia (89.214 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 991 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 53.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 25.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· Broken Arrow, OK.