Oklahoma to California Moving Guide
Updated June 5, 2025

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
- Tornado risk
- Limited public transit
- Few entertainment options
- Lower cultural diversity
- Lack of coastal access
- Pleasant weather
- Extensive public transport
- Vibrant entertainment scene
- High cultural diversity
- Beautiful beaches
- Higher living expenses
- Frequent traffic jams
- Greater urban sprawl
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Higher noise levels
- 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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chicken Fried Steak | Sushi |
Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Tri-tip |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Fish Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Stir Fry | Avocado Toast |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Modern, Spanish |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to Lakes | Ocean 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 Oklahomaβs $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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Hail | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies; Poor in Urban Areas |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 93Β°F / 71Β°F | 85Β°F / 60Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 68Β°F / 48Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36 | 22 (varies widely by region) |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 6 | Varies 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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,673 | $91,551 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.1 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 13.3% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.9% | 0.77% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.95% | 8.82% |
Top 3 Industries | Energy, agriculture, manufacturing | Technology, entertainment, agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Notable | Significant |
Homelessness | Low | High |
- 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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | Republican-dominated state government | Democratic-dominated state government |
Religion | Primarily Evangelical Protestant | Diverse; 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
Comparison | Oklahoma | California |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Washington 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 Schools | Whittier 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 Schools | Edmond 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 schools | Cascia 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 schools | Holland 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 Districts | Edmond 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,057 | 300 ft3 | $6.86 |
1 Bedroom | $3,063 | 450 ft3 | $6.81 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,067 | 750 ft3 | $6.76 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,377 | 1100 ft3 | $6.71 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,650 | 1600 ft3 | $6.66 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,891 | 1800 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.

OCD Moving Services LLC
Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to California
Oklahoma City to California
- Oklahoma City to Anaheim
- Oklahoma City to Bakersfield
- Oklahoma City to Chula Vista
- Oklahoma City to Corona
- Oklahoma City to Elk Grove
- Oklahoma City to Escondido
- Oklahoma City to Fontana
- Oklahoma City to Fremont
- Oklahoma City to Fresno
- Oklahoma City to Garden Grove
- Oklahoma City to Glendale
- Oklahoma City to Hayward
- Oklahoma City to Huntington Beach
- Oklahoma City to Irvine
- Oklahoma City to Lancaster
- Oklahoma City to Long Beach
- Oklahoma City to Los Angeles
- Oklahoma City to Modesto
- Oklahoma City to Moreno Valley
- Oklahoma City to Oakland
- Oklahoma City to Oceanside
- Oklahoma City to Ontario
- Oklahoma City to Oxnard
- Oklahoma City to Palmdale
- Oklahoma City to Pomona
- Oklahoma City to Rancho Cucamonga
- Oklahoma City to Riverside
- Oklahoma City to Sacramento
- Oklahoma City to Salinas
- Oklahoma City to San Bernardino
- Oklahoma City to San Diego
- Oklahoma City to San Francisco
- Oklahoma City to San Jose
- Oklahoma City to Santa Ana
- Oklahoma City to Santa Clarita
- Oklahoma City to Santa Rosa
- Oklahoma City to Stockton
- Oklahoma City to Sunnyvale
Tulsa to California
- Tulsa to Anaheim
- Tulsa to Bakersfield
- Tulsa to Chula Vista
- Tulsa to Corona
- Tulsa to Elk Grove
- Tulsa to Escondido
- Tulsa to Fontana
- Tulsa to Fremont
- Tulsa to Fresno
- Tulsa to Garden Grove
- Tulsa to Glendale
- Tulsa to Hayward
- Tulsa to Huntington Beach
- Tulsa to Irvine
- Tulsa to Lancaster
- Tulsa to Long Beach
- Tulsa to Los Angeles
- Tulsa to Modesto
- Tulsa to Moreno Valley
- Tulsa to Oakland
- Tulsa to Oceanside
- Tulsa to Ontario
- Tulsa to Oxnard
- Tulsa to Palmdale
- Tulsa to Pomona
- Tulsa to Rancho Cucamonga
- Tulsa to Riverside
- Tulsa to Sacramento
- Tulsa to Salinas
- Tulsa to San Bernardino
- Tulsa to San Diego
- Tulsa to San Francisco
- Tulsa to San Jose
- Tulsa to Santa Ana
- Tulsa to Santa Clarita
- Tulsa to Santa Rosa
- Tulsa to Stockton
- Tulsa to Sunnyvale