Moving from Atlanta, GA to Tulsa, OK
A move from Atlanta, GA to Tulsa, OK covers 775 mi and around 13h 47m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
775 mi Β· 13h 47m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 22, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham, Memphis, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.058 to 89.214, putting Tulsa roughly 10.8% below Atlanta on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tulsa: 10.8% below Atlanta on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 41.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Tulsa gets around 8.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Tulsa is 10.8% below Atlanta ($81,938 vs $58,407, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tulsa average 94Β°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 β 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 775 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 10.8% lower than Atlanta (89.214 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 775 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 40 and I 22. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 43.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 28.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Tulsa, OK.