Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Philadelphia, PA
A move from Oklahoma City, OK to Philadelphia, PA covers 1382 mi and around 25h 37m 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.
1382 mi · 25h 37m by car · PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Philadelphia is 13.4% higher than Oklahoma City, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Philadelphia is 13.4% above Oklahoma City ($231,815 vs $206,713 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 50.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Oklahoma City (60.1°F) and Philadelphia (57.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 13.4% below Oklahoma City ($66,702 → $60,698, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (2.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 36.4 in.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 9.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 12.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 13.4% higher than Oklahoma City (102.554 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 1382 mi and the route typically takes 25h 37m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1382 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 · Philadelphia, PA.