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Oklahoma to California Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,507 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to California? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs California across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like tornado risk vs pleasant weather), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Sushi), real estate & housing (ranch vs modern, spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and BBQ Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Sushi & Tri-tip
  • California housing costs are 285% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in California is 114.68% more expensive than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to California will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to California movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Oklahoma to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to California

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Tornado risk
  • Limited public transit
  • Few entertainment options
  • Lower cultural diversity
  • Lack of coastal access
ProsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • Pleasant weather
  • Extensive public transport
  • Vibrant entertainment scene
  • High cultural diversity
  • Beautiful beaches

California iconCalifornia
  • Higher living expenses
  • Frequent traffic jams
  • Greater urban sprawl
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
  • Higher noise levels
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Close-knit communities
  • Slower pace of life
  • Quieter surroundings

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to California

  • Say goodbye to tornado risk and hello to pleasant weather
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to California with extensive public transport
  • Swap the few entertainment options of Oklahoma for a vibrant entertainment scene in California
  • Get ready for high cultural diversity in California

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to California

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Oklahoma to live with higher living expenses in California
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle with the con of frequent traffic jams
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to greater urban sprawl in California
  • Swap a slower pace of life for a faster-paced lifestyle

Oklahoma vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemChicken Fried SteakSushi
Most popular meat dishBBQ BrisketTri-tip
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegetable Stir FryAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Spago
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 California, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Sushi of California. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful BBQ Brisket and sumptuous Indian Tacos, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Stir Fry they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and The Jones Assembly. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and Spago.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and California

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleRanchModern, Spanish
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 LakesOcean views, eco-friendly features
  • The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to lakes, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Oklahoma.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • California has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • California housing costs are 285% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in California is 114.68% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
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, HailEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries; Poor in Urban Areas
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)93Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F68Β°F / 48Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3622 (varies widely by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)6Varies widely by elevation
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oklahoma to California. California gets 23% more sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • California has lower 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 8 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and California

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$59,673$91,551
Cost of Living Index90.1136.4
State Income Tax5%13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.9%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax8.95%8.82%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, agriculture, manufacturingTechnology, entertainment, agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableSignificant
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 53% more than those in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in California is 51% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5% in OK
  • The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is significant in California compared to notable poverty in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. California

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-dominated state governmentDemocratic-dominated state government
ReligionPrimarily Evangelical ProtestantDiverse; large Catholic population and increasing number of unaffiliated
  • Oklahoma tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • California's religious environment can be described as diverse with a large Catholic population and an increasing number of unaffiliated individuals
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to California

ComparisonOklahomaCalifornia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
University of California (various campuses)
Stanford University
California State University (various campuses)
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWashington Elementary School (Norman)
Chisholm Elementary School (Edmond)
Eisenhower International School (Tulsa)
Hawes Elementary School (Redwood City)
Reed Elementary School (Tiburon)
Laguna Elementary School (Sebastopol)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School (Norman)
Central Middle School (Edmond)
Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond)
Henry M. Gunn Middle School (Palo Alto)
Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Egan Junior High School (Los Altos)
Top 3 High School SchoolsEdmond North High School (Edmond)
Norman High School (Norman)
Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto)
Top 3 private high schoolsCascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa)
Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHolland Hall (Tulsa)
Casady School (Oklahoma City)
Crossings Christian School (Oklahoma City)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La CaΓ±ada Unified School District

How Much Do Oklahoma to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,507 miles from Oklahoma to California 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$2,057300 ft3$6.86
1 Bedroom$3,063450 ft3$6.81
2 Bedrooms$5,067750 ft3$6.76
3 Bedrooms$7,3771100 ft3$6.71
4 Bedrooms$10,6501600 ft3$6.66
5+ Bedrooms$11,8911800 ft3$6.61

Top Oklahoma to California Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oklahoma to California 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 Oklahoma to California

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

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details

Oklahoma City to California