Moving from Tulsa, OK to Gilbert, AZ
Relocating 1066 mi from Tulsa to Gilbert is a 19h 1m 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.
1066 mi Β· 19h 1m by car Β· OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Norman, Amarillo, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.8% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $217,450 to $572,507 moving to Gilbert.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | β |
Expect 10.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.8% β $58,407 β $121,351 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- 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 Gilbert average 104Β°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 (10.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1066 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 1066 mi and the route typically takes 19h 1m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 107.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 163.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 15.8% higher than Tulsa (103.316 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Gilbert, AZ.