Moving from Memphis, TN to Broken Arrow, OK
Moving from Memphis, TN to Broken Arrow, OK covers 396 mi and about 6h 50m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
396 mi Β· 6h 50m by car Β· TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, OK 351, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and Broken Arrow (89.214) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Broken Arrow: 3.2% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Broken Arrow is 3.2% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $85,220, ACS 5-year 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 Tennessee 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
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 3.2% lower than Memphis (89.214 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 396 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 98.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 66.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 396 mi and the route typically takes 6h 50m via I 40 and OK 351. The trip crosses 3 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Broken Arrow, OK.