Moving from Memphis, TN to Oklahoma City, OK
It is a 473 mi drive, roughly 8h 11m, between Memphis, TN and Oklahoma City, OK. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
473 mi · 8h 11m by car · OK → AR → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → AR → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, OK 3 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 92.179 vs 90.408 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $206,713 moving to Oklahoma City.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 36.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4°F) and Oklahoma City (60.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Oklahoma City averages 6.7 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: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.5 |
Oklahoma City households earn about 1.9% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $66,702 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee 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 Oklahoma City average 93°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 Memphis and Oklahoma City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Oklahoma City vs 63.4°F in Memphis (3.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 6.7 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 36.4 in vs 54.9 in.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 473 mi and the route typically takes 8h 11m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 1.9% lower than Memphis (90.408 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 30.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 42.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 473 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Oklahoma City, OK.