Moving from Tulsa, OK to Richardson, TX
The 245 mi from Tulsa to Richardson translate to about 4h 39m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
245 mi Β· 4h 39m 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, Allen, Frisco, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Richardson | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Richardson is 15.6% higher than Tulsa, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richardson is 15.6% above Tulsa β $217,450 vs $440,400 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Richardson -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Annual average temperatures in Tulsa (61.3Β°F) and Richardson (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 118,269 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $96,257 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 33.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.6% between Tulsa and Richardson (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richardson 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 Richardson 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 household income compare in Tulsa vs Richardson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,257 in Richardson vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 64.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richardson, TX from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 245 mi and the route typically takes 4h 39m via US 75 and US 69. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richardson compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $440,400 in Richardson vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 102.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richardson more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richardson 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 Richardson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 245 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Richardson compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Richardson 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Richardson, TX.