Moving from Tempe, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK
A move from Tempe, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK covers 953 mi and around 17h 1m of driving through 4 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.
953 mi · 17h 1m by car · OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 87, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Oklahoma City are 12.5% below Tempe — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Oklahoma City typical home at $206,713 is 12.5% under Tempe at $468,281 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 36.4" |
Oklahoma City is 11.7°F cooler on the annual average (71.8°F vs 60.1°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Expect 6.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.5 |
Median household income in Oklahoma City is 12.5% below Tempe ($77,643 → $66,702, 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 Arizona 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 953 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 953 mi and the route typically takes 17h 1m via I 40 and AZ 87. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 14.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Oklahoma City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Oklahoma City vs 71.8°F in Tempe (11.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 6.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 36.4 in vs 8.8 in.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 12.5% lower than Tempe (90.408 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 55.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Oklahoma City, OK.