Moving from Tulsa, OK to South Bend, IN
Relocating 746 mi from Tulsa to South Bend is a 13h 54m 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.
746 mi Β· 13h 54m by car Β· OK β MO β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.214 vs 92.858 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 40.9" |
Expect 11.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.1% lower in South Bend than Tulsa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 746 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $217,450 in Tulsa β a 11.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is South Bend, IN from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 13h 54m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is South Bend more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 4.1% higher than Tulsa (92.858 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· South Bend, IN.