California to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Oklahoma

ConsCalifornia

• High housing costs
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Higher state taxes
• Frequent wildfires
• Water restrictions
• Earthquake risk
• Crowded urban areas
• High gas prices
• Expensive car insurance
• Complex regulations
• High electricity rates

ProsOklahoma

• Affordable home prices
• Lower living costs
• Easier commutes
• Lower state taxes
• Fewer wildfire threats
• Fewer water limits
• Lower quake risk
• Less crowded cities
• Cheaper fuel prices
• Lower insurance rates
• Business friendly rules
• Lower utility bills

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Oklahoma

• More weather extremes
• No ocean access
• Fewer top employers
• Lower salary levels
• Fewer elite schools
• Limited transit options
• Fewer nonstop routes
• Smaller cultural scene
• Less terrain variety
• Fewer major events
• Fewer tech hubs
• Smaller food scene

California

• Mild coastal climate
• Ocean and beaches
• Diverse job market
• Higher average wages
• Top universities
• Robust public transit
• Global flight access
• World-class arts scene
• Mountain and surf
• Year-round outdoor events
• Cutting-edge industries
• Diverse dining options

Pros of moving from California to Oklahoma

• Say goodbye to high housing costs and hello to affordable home prices
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Oklahoma with lower living costs
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of California for easier commutes in Oklahoma
• Get ready for lower state taxes in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from California to Oklahoma

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild coastal climate in California to live with more weather extremes in Oklahoma
• You'll lose out on the pro of the ocean and beaches and have to settle with the con of no ocean access
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to fewer top employers in Oklahoma
• Swap higher average wages for lower salary levels

California vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Barbecue and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty Barbecue Brisket and Fried Onion Burger to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan BBQ Ribs of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Gjusta. 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, Elmer's BBQ, and Sid's Diner.

When comparing lifestyles, Oklahoma shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Oklahoma, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Oklahoma.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Oklahoma

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Ranch architecture typical of Oklahoma.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and sustainability, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oklahoma is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than California.
• Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than California.
• Oklahoma housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Oklahoma is 53.42% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Oklahoma

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 19% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Oklahoma has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oklahoma is 9 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 14 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Oklahoma

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 35% less than in California
• The COLI in Oklahoma will be 34% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in OK is 5% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Oklahoma is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in Oklahoma compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and moderate in Oklahoma

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Oklahoma

• California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant Evangelical presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural and diverse religious beliefs

Education Guide When Moving from California to Oklahoma

How Much Do California to Oklahoma Movers Cost?

Moving 1,506 miles from California to Oklahoma will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.