Arizona to Oklahoma Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 923 mile interstate move from Arizona to Oklahoma? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Oklahoma across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like scorching summer heat vs milder summer temperatures), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Chicken Fried Steak), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, ranch vs traditional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Chicken Fried Steak & Smoked Brisket
- Oklahoma housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Oklahoma is 33.64% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Oklahoma will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Arizona to Oklahoma movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Oklahoma Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Oklahoma
- Scorching summer heat
- Higher housing costs
- Scarce water resources
- High electric bills
- Milder summer temperatures
- Affordable real estate
- Abundant lakes and rivers
- Lower energy costs
- Extended tornado season
- Lack of natural diversity
- Fewer cultural events
- Frequent cloudy days
- Stunning desert landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage
- Vibrant arts scene
- Ubiquitous sunshine
Pros of moving from Arizona to Oklahoma
- Say goodbye to scorching summer heat and hello to milder summer temperatures
- Look forward to moving away from higher housing costs and moving to Oklahoma with affordable real estate
- Swap the scarce water resources of Arizona for abundant lakes and rivers in Oklahoma
- Get ready for lower energy costs in Oklahoma
Cons of moving from Arizona to Oklahoma
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning desert landscapes in Arizona to live with an extended tornado season in Oklahoma
- You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural heritage and have to settle for the con of lack of natural diversity
- Time to bid farewell to a vibrant arts scene and get used to fewer cultural events in Oklahoma
- Swap ubiquitous sunshine for frequent cloudy days
Arizona vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Chicken Fried Steak |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Smoked Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Sonoran Hot Dog | Indian Taco |
Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Tamales | Vegan Chili |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Arizona to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Indian Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Tamales they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chili of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Baco CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Oklahoma, don't wait too long before making your way to Oklahoma's acclaimed eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Juniors of Oklahoma City.
When comparing lifestyles, Oklahoma shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Oklahoma compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Oklahoma.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Oklahoma
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Ranch | Traditional, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Outdoor living spaces, Pools | Large lots, Proximity to schools |
- The Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Craftsman architecture typical of Oklahoma.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and pools, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and proximity to schools.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oklahoma is less walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Oklahoma housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Oklahoma is 33.64% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Oklahoma
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Heatwaves | Tornadoes, Severe Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F/83Β°F | 94Β°F/72Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 68Β°F/46Β°F | 50Β°F/30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 36 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3 | 8 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Oklahoma has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Oklahoma.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oklahoma is 12 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Oklahoma
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $59,673 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 90.1 |
State Income Tax | 2.59 - 4.5% | 0.5 - 5.0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.66% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.4% | 8.94% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Real Estate | Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 20% less than those in Arizona
- The COLI in Oklahoma is 11% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in OK is 0.5 - 5.0% compared to 2.59 - 4.5% in AZ
- The affluence in Oklahoma is modest compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is moderate in Oklahoma compared to moderate in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Arizona and less noticeable in Oklahoma
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Oklahoma
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing state, recent trends lean slightly Democratic | Strongly Republican |
Local Politics | Diverse, with urban areas leaning more Democratic | Largely conservative across most counties |
Religion | Catholicism, Non-denominational Christianity | Southern Baptist, Non-denominational Christianity |
- Arizona tends to lean as a swing state, with recent trends leaning slightly Democratic in its political climate
- Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
- Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as Southern Baptist and Non-denominational Christianity
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholicism and Non-denominational Christianity
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Oklahoma
Comparison | Arizona | Oklahoma |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University | University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Tulsa |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Basis Scottsdale Knox Gifted Academy - Chandler Basis Oro Valley | Thoreau Demonstration Academy - Tulsa Russell Dougherty Elementary - Edmond Carnegie Elementary - Tulsa |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Chandler Basis Peoria Khalsa Montessori Elementary School - Phoenix | Thoreau Demonstration Academy - Tulsa Whittier Middle School - Norman Eisenhower International - Tulsa |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale Basis Chandler Basis Peoria | Booker T. Washington High - Tulsa Edmond North High - Edmond Norman North High - Norman |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory - Phoenix Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix The Gregory School - Tucson | Cascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City Holland Hall - Tulsa |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Green Fields School - Tucson Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale Phoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley | Holland Hall - Tulsa Cascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Chandler Unified School District Gilbert Public Schools | Edmond Public Schools Norman Public Schools Jenks Public Schools |
How Much Do Arizona to Oklahoma Movers Cost?
Moving 923 miles from Arizona to Oklahoma will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,726 | 300 ft3 | $5.75 |
1 Bedroom | $2,566 | 450 ft3 | $5.70 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,239 | 750 ft3 | $5.65 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,163 | 1100 ft3 | $5.60 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,884 | 1600 ft3 | $5.55 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,905 | 1800 ft3 | $5.50 |
Top Arizona to Oklahoma Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Oklahoma movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Oklahoma