Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Tulsa, OK
Relocating between Fort Worth, TX and Tulsa, OK is a 283 mi drive β 5h 13m 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.
283 mi Β· 5h 13m by car Β· TX β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, I 35, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.5% moving from Fort Worth to Tulsa β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $298,051 in Fort Worth to $217,450 in Tulsa, a 13.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.0" |
Expect 6.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 8.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.41 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.5% β $76,602 β $58,407 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tulsa 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
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 283 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 Fort Worth vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 23.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 27.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 13.5% lower than Fort Worth (89.214 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 283 mi and the route typically takes 5h 13m via US 77 and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Tulsa, OK.