Moving from Kansas City, MO to Tulsa, OK
The 260 mi from Kansas City to Tulsa translate to about 4h 49m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
260 mi · 4h 49m by car · MO → KS → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → KS → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 44, US 160 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Tulsa and Kansas City are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 89.214); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 3.6% lower in Tulsa than Kansas City as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 41.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 56.9°F vs 61.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 8.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.41 |
Income steps down 3.6%: $67,449 in Kansas City 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 Missouri 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.
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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Kansas City 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 260 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 260 mi and the route typically takes 4h 49m via US 69 and I 44. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Tulsa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.3°F in Tulsa vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (4.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.7 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.0 in vs 38.1 in.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 3.6% lower than Kansas City (89.214 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $67,449 in Kansas City — a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $250,208 in Kansas City — a 13.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO · Tulsa, OK.