Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Tulsa, OK
Relocating 699 mi from Minneapolis to Tulsa is a 12h 39m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
699 mi Β· 12h 39m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35W, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Tulsa at 89.214 vs Minneapolis at 104.822.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $330,882 to $217,450 moving to Tulsa.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 41.0" |
Expect 15.5Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
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: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.41 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.9% β $80,269 β $58,407 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 94Β°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 warmer climate (15.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
How far is Tulsa, OK from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 699 mi and the route typically takes 12h 39m via I 35 and I 35W. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 699 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 14.9% lower than Minneapolis (89.214 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 27.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Tulsa, OK.