Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Denton, TX
The 167 mi from Oklahoma City to Denton translate to about 2h 58m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
167 mi Β· 2h 58m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Frisco, Lewisville, Carrollton, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.408 in Oklahoma City to 103.09 in Denton, a 14.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Denton: 14.0% above Oklahoma City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 38.4" |
Climate warms by 5.3Β°F on the annual average β 60.1Β°F β 65.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 35 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.72 |
Income steps up 14.0%: $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $73,719 in Denton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Denton average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 10.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Denton, TX from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 167 mi and the route typically takes 2h 58m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 167 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 Denton compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 71.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Denton more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 14.0% higher than Oklahoma City (103.09 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Denton, TX.