Moving from Tulsa, OK to Austin, TX
Relocating between Tulsa, OK and Austin, TX is a 454 mi drive — 8h 18m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
454 mi · 8h 18m by car · TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, I 35, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.9% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $217,450 to $508,530 moving to Austin.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 42°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 36.3" |
Expect 8.7°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Austin gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.9% — $58,407 → $91,461 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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 — 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97°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
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 454 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 56.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Austin, TX from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 454 mi and the route typically takes 8h 18m via US 75 and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Austin more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 9.9% higher than Tulsa (98.066 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Austin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.0°F in Austin vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (8.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.2 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 36.3 in vs 41.0 in.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 133.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Austin, TX.