Moving from Tulsa, OK to Garland, TX
Moving from Tulsa, OK to Garland, TX covers 252 mi and about 4h 48m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
252 mi Β· 4h 48m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 69, US 62 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Mckinney, Frisco, Allen, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.214 in Tulsa to 103.09 in Garland, a 15.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Garland: 15.6% above Tulsa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 41.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 3.04 |
Median household income in Garland is 15.6% above Tulsa ($58,407 vs $74,717, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°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
How does the job market in Garland compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Garland, TX from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 252 mi and the route typically takes 4h 48m via US 75 and US 69. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 27.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 31.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Garland more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 15.6% higher than Tulsa (103.09 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 252 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 Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Garland, TX.