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Oklahoma to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 737 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like tornado frequency vs variety of beaches), food & health (like Chicken-fried steak vs Gulf Seafood, especially shrimp), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alabama), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chicken-fried steak and Barbecue ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Gulf Seafood, especially shrimp & Pulled pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 11% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in Alabama is 16.07% more expensive than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to Alabama will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to Alabama movers is MoveDaddy

Oklahoma to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Alabama

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Tornado frequency
  • Extreme summer heat
  • Landlocked
  • Limited seafood
  • Flat landscapes
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Variety of beaches
  • Mild winters
  • Gulf Coast access
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Diverse terrains

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Higher cost of housing
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less BBQ variety
  • Fewer sports events
  • More crowded cities
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Low cost of living
  • Friendly communities
  • Quality local BBQ
  • Sports culture
  • Open spaces

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to tornado frequency and hello to a variety of beaches
  • Look forward to moving away from extreme summer heat and moving to Alabama with mild winters
  • Swap the landlocked nature of Oklahoma for Gulf Coast access in Alabama
  • Get ready for seafood restaurants in Alabama

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Oklahoma to live with the higher cost of housing in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
  • Time to bid farewell to quality local BBQ and get used to less BBQ variety in Alabama
  • Swap sports culture for fewer sports events

Oklahoma vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
Most iconic local food itemChicken-fried steakGulf Seafood, especially shrimp
Most popular meat dishBarbecue ribsPulled pork
Most popular street food itemFried onion burgersBoiled peanuts
Most popular vegan foodOkra gumboFried green tomatoes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Sid's Diner
  • Pops 66 Soda Ranch
  • Highlands Bar & Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
  • Dreamland Bar-B-Que
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 Oklahoma to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Chicken-fried steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Gulf Seafood, especially shrimp, of Alabama. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue ribs and sumptuous Fried onion burgers, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled pork and Boiled peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried green tomatoes of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Sid's Diner, and Pops 66 Soda Ranch. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Highlands Bar & Grill, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, and Dreamland Bar-B-Que.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Alabama

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial
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 listingLarge yards, proximity to schoolsHistorical characteristics, close-knit communities
  • The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to schools, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like historical characteristics and close-knit communities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Oklahoma.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • Alabama housing costs are 11% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased 45% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in Alabama is 16.07% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
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 DisastersTornadoes, HailHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F57Β°F / 37Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"58"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)6"1"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Alabama. Alabama gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 3 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows in Alabama are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 22 more inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Alabama

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
Avg. Household Income$59,673$59,674
Cost of Living Index90.191.2
State Income Tax5%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.89%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax8.95%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Aviation, AgricultureAerospace, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNotableNotable
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 0% more than in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • There's no change in state income tax between Oklahoma and Alabama
  • The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to moderate in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is notable in Alabama compared to notable in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Alabama

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
Political Make-upConservative-dominated, with Republicans holding significant swayStrongly conservative, with a long-standing Republican majority
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal areas and conservative rural regionsConservative across most areas, especially rural
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly Christian, includes Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal denominationsDeeply religious, majority Christian, predominantly Baptist
  • Oklahoma tends to lean conservative-dominated in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly conservative with a long-standing Republican majority
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as deeply religious, majority Christian and predominantly Baptist
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious, predominantly Christian and including Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Alabama

ComparisonOklahomaAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChisholm Elementary - Edmond
Washington Irving Elementary - Edmond
Russell Dougherty Elementary - Edmond
Greystone Elementary - Hoover
Mountain Brook Elementary - Mountain Brook
Vestavia Hills Elementary East - Vestavia Hills
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School - Norman
Sequoyah Middle School - Edmond
Central Middle School - Edmond
Mountain Brook Junior High - Mountain Brook
Liberty Park Middle School - Vestavia Hills
Berry Middle School - Hoover
Top 3 High SchoolsEdmond North High School - Edmond
Norman North High School - Norman
Jenks High School - Jenks
Mountain Brook High School - Mountain Brook
Vestavia Hills High School - Vestavia Hills
Homewood High School - Homewood
Top 3 private high schoolsBishop McGuinness Catholic High School - Oklahoma City
Cascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa
Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City
The Altamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs Village
Randolph School - Huntsville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Crossings Christian School - Oklahoma City
Lincoln Christian School - Tulsa
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs Village
The Altamont School - Birmingham
Randolph School - Huntsville
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Hoover City Schools

How Much Do Oklahoma to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 737 miles from Oklahoma to Alabama 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-24 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Latitude Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,620300 ft3$5.40
1 Bedroom$2,408450 ft3$5.35
2 Bedrooms$3,976750 ft3$5.30
3 Bedrooms$5,7761100 ft3$5.25
4 Bedrooms$8,3221600 ft3$5.20
5+ Bedrooms$9,2721800 ft3$5.15

Top Oklahoma to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to Alabama

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details