Moving from Tulsa, OK to Pittsburgh, PA
A move from Tulsa, OK to Pittsburgh, PA covers 990 mi and around 18h 29m 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.
990 mi Β· 18h 29m by car Β· OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 470 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Springfield, St Louis, Dayton, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.1% pricier overall in Pittsburgh than Tulsa on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 6.1% higher in Pittsburgh than Tulsa as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 41.3" |
Pittsburgh is 8.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.3Β°F vs 52.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.21 |
Median household income in Pittsburgh is 6.1% above Tulsa ($58,407 β $64,137, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
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 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 9.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 990 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 Pittsburgh compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 9.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 6.1% higher than Tulsa (94.671 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 990 mi and the route typically takes 18h 29m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Pittsburgh, PA.