Movers

California to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,506 mile interstate move from California to Oklahoma? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Oklahoma across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordability), food & health (like Sourdough Bread vs Chicken Fried Steak), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, modern vs traditional, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sourdough Bread and Tri-tip Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Chicken Fried Steak & Barbecue Brisket
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 53.42% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Oklahoma will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended California to Oklahoma movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Oklahoma

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • High taxes
  • Wildfires
ProsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Affordability
  • Smoother commutes
  • Lower taxes
  • Less natural disasters

Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Landlocked
  • Fewer attractions
  • Fewer tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse culture
  • Coastal access
  • Entertainment options
  • Tech opportunities

Pros of moving from California to Oklahoma

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordability
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Oklahoma with smoother commutes
  • Swap the high taxes of California for lower taxes in Oklahoma
  • Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from California to Oklahoma

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse culture in California to live with less cultural diversity in Oklahoma
  • You'll lose out on the pro of coastal access and have to settle for the con of being landlocked
  • Time to bid farewell to entertainment options and get used to fewer attractions in Oklahoma
  • Swap tech opportunities for fewer tech jobs

California vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadChicken Fried Steak
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BarbecueBarbecue Brisket
Most popular street food itemFish TacosFried Onion Burger
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan BBQ Ribs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • Gjusta
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, ModernTraditional, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, SustainabilitySpacious yards, Proximity to nature
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Hail
Air QualityVariableGenerally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F94Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 45Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2236
Annual Snowfall (Inches)710
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Avg. Household Income$91,551$59,673
Cost of Living Index136.490.1
State Income Tax13.3%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%0.90%
Avg. Sales Tax8.82%8.98%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureAgriculture, Energy, Aviation
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSevereModerate
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal leaning on most issuesConservative leaning on most issues
ReligionMulticultural and diverse religious beliefsPrimarily Christian, with a significant Evangelical presence
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaOklahoma
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Opal Robinson Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
Cupertino Union School District (Cupertino)
Chisholm Elementary (Edmond)
Fisher Elementary (Moore)
Cleveland Bailey Elementary (Midwest City)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMiller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Diablo Vista Middle School (Danville)
Huntington Middle School (San Marino)
Whittier Middle School (Norman)
Central Middle School (Edmond)
Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond)
Top 3 High SchoolsHenry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Lynbrook High School (San Jose)
Whitney High School (Cerritos)
Edmond North High School (Edmond)
Norman North High School (Norman)
Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa)
Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)
Bishop Kelley High School (Tulsa)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsStanford Online High School (Online)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (Oklahoma City)
Town & Country School (Tulsa)
Dove Science Academy (Oklahoma City)
Top 3 School DistrictsSan Marino Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Arcadia Unified School District
Edmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools

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.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,056300 ft3$6.85
1 Bedroom$3,062450 ft3$6.80
2 Bedrooms$5,066750 ft3$6.75
3 Bedrooms$7,3751100 ft3$6.70
4 Bedrooms$10,6471600 ft3$6.65
5+ Bedrooms$11,8881800 ft3$6.60

Top California to Oklahoma Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Oklahoma movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Oklahoma

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details