Moving from Montgomery, AL to Tulsa, OK
Relocating 723 mi from Montgomery to Tulsa is a 12h 51m drive through 5 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.
723 mi Β· 12h 51m by car Β· OK β AR β TN β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β AR β TN β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 78, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Little Rock, Memphis, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.682 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 0.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $217,450 moving to Tulsa.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 41.0" |
Expect 6.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Tulsa averages 8.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.41 |
Median household incomes in Montgomery ($55,687) and Tulsa ($58,407) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Alabama 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 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
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 4.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 0.5% lower than Montgomery (89.214 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 723 mi and the route typically takes 12h 51m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 43.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Tulsa, OK.