Moving from Tyler, TX to Tulsa, OK
Relocating between Tyler, TX and Tulsa, OK is a 289 mi drive β 5h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
289 mi Β· 5h 35m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 62, TX 19 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.2% under Tyler β $251,563 β $217,450 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 41.0" |
Expect 5.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Tulsa gets around 8.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.2% lower in Tulsa than Tyler.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tulsa average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 10.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 289 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 289 mi and the route typically takes 5h 35m via US 75 and US 62. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 13.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 3.2% lower than Tyler (89.214 vs 92.156, 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 Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Tulsa, OK.