Moving from Madison, WI to Tulsa, OK
A move from Madison, WI to Tulsa, OK covers 737 mi and around 13h 51m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
737 mi Β· 13h 51m by car Β· OK β MO β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Tulsa are 8.3% below Madison β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tulsa typical home at $217,450 is 8.3% under Madison at $423,767 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.0" |
Tulsa runs 14.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 61.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Tulsa is 8.3% below Madison ($76,983 vs $58,407, ACS 5-year 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 94Β°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 (14.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is Tulsa more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 8.3% lower than Madison (89.214 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 737 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 Tulsa compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 737 mi and the route typically takes 13h 51m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $76,983 in Madison β a 24.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $423,767 in Madison β a 48.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Tulsa, OK.