Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Memphis, TN
It is a 473 mi drive, roughly 8h 11m, between Oklahoma City, OK and Memphis, TN. 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
| Oklahoma City | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.408 vs 92.179 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 2.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $206,713 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Oklahoma City (60.1°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 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: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.47 |
Memphis households earn about 2.0% less than Oklahoma City at the median — $66,702 → $51,211 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 23.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 2.0% higher than Oklahoma City (92.179 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 36.4 in.
How far is Memphis, TN from Oklahoma City, OK?
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.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 30.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Memphis?
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 Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK · Memphis, TN.