Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Wichita, KS
It is a 161 mi drive, roughly 2h 53m, between Oklahoma City, OK and Wichita, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
161 mi · 2h 53m by car · OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, OK 66 |
| Major cities en route | Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.408 vs 88.946 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $206,713 vs $202,720.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 34.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Oklahoma City (60.1°F) and Wichita (57.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.52 |
Households in Wichita earn about 1.6% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°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 — 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Wichita more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 1.6% lower than Oklahoma City (88.946 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 5.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 1.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (2.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 36.4 in.
How far is Wichita, KS from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 2h 53m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK · Wichita, KS.