Moving from Peoria, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK
It is 996 mi between Peoria and Oklahoma City — roughly 17h 2m 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.
996 mi · 17h 2m by car · OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.5% cheaper overall in Oklahoma City than Peoria on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.5% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Peoria -1.6%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 36.4" |
Annual temperature drops 10.1°F moving to Oklahoma City per NOAA normals.
Light snow year: Oklahoma City gets around 6.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 194,338 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $93,403 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 42.1 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.5 |
Oklahoma City households earn about 12.5% less than Peoria at the median — $93,403 → $66,702 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona 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 — 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.
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 Oklahoma City average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Oklahoma City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Oklahoma City vs 70.2°F in Peoria (10.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 6.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 36.4 in vs 9.6 in.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $48,600 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 12.5% lower than Peoria (90.408 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Peoria, AZ?
The driving distance is 996 mi and the route typically takes 17h 2m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $488,596 in Peoria — a 57.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $93,403 in Peoria — a 28.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 996 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, AZ · Oklahoma City, OK.