Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Tulsa, OK
A move from Jacksonville, FL to Tulsa, OK covers 1056 mi and around 19h 44m of driving through 7 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.
1056 mi · 19h 44m by car · FL → GA → AL → MS → TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → GA → AL → MS → TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 22, US 280 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Birmingham, Memphis, Little Rock, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Tulsa is 10.3% cheaper than Jacksonville 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 10.3% below Jacksonville — $282,895 vs $217,450 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jacksonville | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | 41.0" |
Tulsa is 10.1°F cooler on the annual average (71.4°F vs 61.3°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Tulsa is 10.3% below Jacksonville ($66,981 → $58,407, ACS 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 Florida 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.
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 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville 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 1056 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 10.3% lower than Jacksonville (89.214 vs 99.484, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Jacksonville and Tulsa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.3°F in Tulsa vs 71.4°F in Jacksonville (10.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.0 in vs 47.6 in.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 1056 mi and the route typically takes 19h 44m via I 40 and I 22. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jacksonville vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $66,981 in Jacksonville — a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $282,895 in Jacksonville — a 23.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL · Tulsa, OK.