Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Scottsdale, AZ
It is 949 mi between Oklahoma City and Scottsdale β roughly 17h 4m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
949 mi Β· 17h 4m by car Β· OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Scottsdale runs about 14.3% more expensive overall than Oklahoma City β RPP 90.408 β 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $206,713 in Oklahoma City to $858,022 in Scottsdale, a 14.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 11.6" |
Annual temperature rises 9.5Β°F moving to Scottsdale per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 35 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.06 |
Scottsdale households earn about 14.3% more than Oklahoma City at the median β $66,702 β $107,372 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 949 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 Scottsdale compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 315.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 61.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 949 mi and the route typically takes 17h 4m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 14.3% higher than Oklahoma City (103.316 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· Scottsdale, AZ.