Moving from Dallas, TX to Tulsa, OK
The 262 mi from Dallas to Tulsa translate to about 4h 56m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
262 mi · 4h 56m by car · TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 69, OK 375 |
| Major cities en route | Mesquite, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Tulsa is 13.5% cheaper than Dallas overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tulsa is 13.5% below Dallas — $309,421 vs $217,450 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 41.0" |
Climate cools by 6.7°F on the annual average — 68.0°F → 61.3°F.
Tulsa averages 8.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.41 |
Income steps down 13.5%: $67,760 in Dallas vs $58,407 in Tulsa.
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 Texas 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 — 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tulsa average 94°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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Tulsa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.3°F in Tulsa vs 68.0°F in Dallas (6.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.7 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 41.0 in vs 38.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 262 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 13.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 29.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 262 mi and the route typically takes 4h 56m via US 75 and US 69. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 13.5% lower than Dallas (89.214 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 3,966,500 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 Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Tulsa, OK.