Moving from Broken Arrow, OK to Memphis, TN
The 396 mi from Broken Arrow to Memphis translate to about 6h 50m behind the wheel through 3 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.
396 mi Β· 6h 50m by car Β· TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, OK 351, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Broken Arrow | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis and Broken Arrow is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 3.3% below Broken Arrow β $286,846 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Broken Arrow +2.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Broken Arrow | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Broken Arrow (60.0Β°F) and Memphis (63.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIXBY, OK US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Broken Arrow | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,919 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $85,220 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.3% between Broken Arrow and Memphis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 Memphis average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Broken Arrow to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 396 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Broken Arrow, OK?
The driving distance is 396 mi and the route typically takes 6h 50m via I 40 and OK 351. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Broken Arrow?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Broken Arrow vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $85,220 in Broken Arrow β a 39.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Broken Arrow?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $286,846 in Broken Arrow β a 49.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Memphis more expensive than Broken Arrow?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.3% higher than Broken Arrow (92.179 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Broken Arrow.
City profiles: Broken Arrow, OK Β· Memphis, TN.