Moving from Lubbock, TX to Tulsa, OK
Relocating between Lubbock, TX and Tulsa, OK is a 460 mi drive β 8h 14m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
460 mi Β· 8h 14m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 82, TX 114 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.317 vs 89.214 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $209,436 vs $217,450.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 41.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Lubbock (61.8Β°F) and Tulsa (61.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Tulsa averages 8.7 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: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.41 |
Median household incomes in Lubbock ($60,487) and Tulsa ($58,407) are within a few percent (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 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 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.
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 Lubbock to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 460 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 2.3% lower than Lubbock (89.214 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 3.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 460 mi and the route typically takes 8h 14m via I 44 and US 82. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 3.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 150,730 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Tulsa, OK.