Moving from Tulsa, OK to Memphis, TN
Moving from Tulsa, OK to Memphis, TN covers 402 mi and about 6h 55m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
402 mi · 6h 55m by car · TN → AR → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, OK 351, OK 51 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Tulsa are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.214 vs 92.179); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 3.3% under Tulsa at $217,450 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.3°F vs 63.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 3.3% below Tulsa ($58,407 → $51,211, 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 Tulsa vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 33.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa 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 402 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (2.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 41.0 in.
How far is Memphis, TN from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 402 mi and the route typically takes 6h 55m via I 40 and OK 351. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.3% higher than Tulsa (92.179 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 · Memphis, TN.