Moving from Tulsa, OK to Lee's Summit, MO
Relocating between Tulsa, OK and Lee's Summit, MO is a 250 mi drive β 4h 35m 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.
250 mi Β· 4h 35m by car Β· OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.214 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $217,450 to $390,166 moving to Lee's Summit.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 38.3" |
Expect 5.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.7% β $58,407 β $104,989 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 79.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 3.7% higher than Tulsa (92.543 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 79.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 250 mi and the route typically takes 4h 35m via I 44 and I 49. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Lee's Summit, MO.