Movers

Michigan to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,068 mile interstate move from Michigan to Oklahoma? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Oklahoma across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Pasties vs Chicken Fried Steak), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Chicken Fried Steak & BBQ Brisket
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 12.45% more affordable than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Oklahoma will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Oklahoma movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Oklahoma

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Industrial environment
ProsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Scenic landscapes

Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • No Great Lakes
  • Less foliage diversity
  • More rural areas
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Lake access
  • Fall colors
  • Urban lifestyle

Pros of moving from Michigan to Oklahoma

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Oklahoma with lower taxes
  • Swap the industrial environment of Michigan for scenic landscapes in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from Michigan to Oklahoma

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lake access in Michigan to live with no Great Lakes in Oklahoma
  • You'll lose out on the pro of fall colors and have to settle for the con of less foliage diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to the urban lifestyle and get used to more rural areas in Oklahoma

Michigan vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
Most iconic local food itemPastiesChicken Fried Steak
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style PizzaBBQ Brisket
Most popular street food itemConey DogsFried Onion Burgers
Most popular vegan foodVegan PastiesTex-Mex inspired Vegan Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Cafe Kacao
  • Eischen's Bar
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 Michigan to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dogs, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty BBQ Brisket and Fried Onion Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pasties they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tex-Mex inspired Vegan Dishes of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Selden Standard. 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, Cafe Kacao, and Eischen's Bar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Oklahoma

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, 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 listingLakeside views, large backyardsOpen floor plans, storm shelters
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Oklahoma.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and large backyards, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and storm shelters.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oklahoma is less walkable than Michigan.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Oklahoma housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Oklahoma is 12.45% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
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 DisastersBlizzards, Ice StormsTornadoes, Hail
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79/5893/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1750/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.836.5
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.669.6
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 35% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Oklahoma has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and ice storms in Michigan, 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 14 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 3.7 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Oklahoma

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
Avg. Household Income$66,986$59,673
Cost of Living Index91.290.1
State Income Tax4.25%4.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%4.50%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationAgriculture, Energy, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 11% less than in Michigan
  • The COLI in Oklahoma will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in OK is 4.75% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Oklahoma is low compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
  • The poverty level is moderate in Oklahoma compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Oklahoma

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Oklahoma

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
Political Make-upModerately DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal & rural conservative areasMostly conservative, even in urban areas
ReligionChristian majority, with a diverse religious landscapeEvangelical Protestant majority, with lesser diversity
  • Michigan tends to lean moderately Democratic in its political climate
  • Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as an evangelical Protestant majority with lesser diversity
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Oklahoma

ComparisonMichiganOklahoma
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHarlan Elementary
Bloomfield Hills; Bingham Farms Elementary
Bingham Farms; Bates Elementary
Dexter
Chisholm Elementary
Edmond; Russell Dougherty Elementary
Edmond; Northern Hills Elementary
Edmond
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Middle School
Rochester Hills; Boulan Park Middle School
Troy; East Middle School
Grand Blanc
Whittier Middle School
Norman; Central Middle School
Edmond; Sequoyah Middle School
Edmond
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational Academy
Bloomfield Hills; Troy High School
Troy; Rochester Adams High School
Rochester Hills
Edmond North High School
Edmond; Norman North High School
Norman; Jenks High School
Jenks
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor
Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Tulsa; Heritage Hall
Oklahoma City; Bishop Kelley High School
Tulsa
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoeper School
Bloomfield Hills; Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills
Heritage Hall
Oklahoma City; Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Tulsa; Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Oklahoma City
Top 3 School DistrictsBloomfield Hills Schools; Troy School District; Rochester Community SchoolsEdmond Public Schools; Norman Public Schools; Jenks Public Schools

How Much Do Michigan to Oklahoma Movers Cost?

Moving 1,068 miles from Michigan to Oklahoma will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,808300 ft3$6.03
1 Bedroom$2,689450 ft3$5.98
2 Bedrooms$4,445750 ft3$5.93
3 Bedrooms$6,4641100 ft3$5.88
4 Bedrooms$9,3221600 ft3$5.83
5+ Bedrooms$10,3981800 ft3$5.78

Top Michigan to Oklahoma Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Oklahoma

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.07/10
ExceptionalView details