Moving from Tulsa, OK to Wichita, KS
Moving from Tulsa, OK to Wichita, KS covers 183 mi and about 3h 14m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
183 mi · 3h 14m by car · OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 412, US 64 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Wichita and Tulsa are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.214 vs 88.946); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.3% lower in Wichita than Tulsa as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 34.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.3°F vs 57.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Wichita sees 12.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Wichita is 0.3% above Tulsa ($58,407 → $63,072, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 8.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Wichita more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 0.3% lower than Tulsa (88.946 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (3.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 41.0 in.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 6.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 183 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Wichita, KS from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 183 mi and the route typically takes 3h 14m via I 35 and US 412. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 303,910 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 · Wichita, KS.