Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Tulsa, OK
Relocating 1107 mi from Phoenix to Tulsa is a 18h 56m drive through 4 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.
1107 mi Β· 18h 56m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.6% cheaper overall in Tulsa than Phoenix on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 41.0" |
Expect 11.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Tulsa gets around 8.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.41 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.6% β $77,041 β $58,407 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.2Β°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 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 the job market in Tulsa compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1107 mi and the route typically takes 18h 56m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 13.6% lower than Phoenix (89.214 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 47.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 24.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1107 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Tulsa, OK.