Oklahoma to Michigan Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

Planning a 1,067 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like tornadoes vs cooler summers), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and BBQ Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Coney Dog & Pasties
- Michigan housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
- Rent in Michigan is 14.22% more expensive than in Oklahoma
- Moving from Oklahoma to Michigan will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Oklahoma to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving
Oklahoma to Michigan Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Michigan
- Tornadoes
- Dry climate
- Limited wintersports
- Flat landscapes
- Fewer public parks
- Cooler summers
- Great Lakes access
- Ski resorts
- Autumn foliage
- Vibrant urban culture
- Higher cost of living
- Winter snowstorms
- Urban congestion
- Cold winters
- Weather variability
- Lower taxes
- Friendly locals
- Simple lifestyle
- Warm winters
- Open skies
Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Michigan
- Say goodbye to tornadoes and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from a dry climate and moving to Michigan with great Lakes access
- Swap the limited winter sports of Oklahoma for ski resorts in Michigan
- Get ready for autumn foliage in Michigan
Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Michigan
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower taxes in Oklahoma to live with a higher cost of living in Michigan
- You'll lose out on the pro of friendly locals and have to settle with the con of winter snowstorms
- Time to bid farewell to a simple lifestyle and get used to urban congestion in Michigan
- Swap warm winters for cold winters
Oklahoma vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chicken Fried Steak | Coney Dog |
Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Pasties |
Most popular street food item | Fried Onion Burger | Food trucks offering Coney Dog |
Most popular vegan food | Watermelon Steak | Tempeh Reuben Sandwich |
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 Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful BBQ Brisket and sumptuous Fried Onion Burger, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and food trucks offering Coney Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Watermelon Steak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben Sandwich of Michigan. 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 Leo's BBQ. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Slows Bar BQ.
When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oklahoma. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Michigan compared to what you are used to in Oklahoma. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Michigan.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Michigan
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Craftsman | Colonial and Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, quiet neighborhoods | Lakeside properties, proximity to nature |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
- Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and proximity to nature.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Oklahoma.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
- Michigan has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
- Michigan housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Oklahomaβs $203,455.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
- Rent in Michigan is 14.22% more expensive than in Oklahoma.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oklahoma and Michigan
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
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 and hail | Snowstorms and flooding |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°F / 72Β°F | 81Β°F / 61Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 29Β°F | 32Β°F / 18Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36" | 30-38" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 6" | 60-100" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Michigan. Michigan gets 27% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
- Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Michigan.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 13 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
- The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Michigan
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,673 | $66,986 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.1 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 5.0% | 4.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.87% | 1.54% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.95% | 6.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Energy, Aerospace | Automotive, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 12% more than in Oklahoma
- The COLI in Michigan will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
- The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 5.0% in OK
- The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate in Oklahoma
- The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to moderate in Oklahoma
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and moderate in Michigan
Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative/Republican | Mixed, leaning Democratic |
Local Politics | More uniform Republican support | Diverse political landscape |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | Moderately religious, diverse affiliations |
- Oklahoma tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
- Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, leaning Democratic
- Michigan's religious environment can be described as moderately religious with diverse affiliations
- Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Michigan
Comparison | Oklahoma | Michigan |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Central Oklahoma | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Chisholm Elementary School (Edmond) Fisher Elementary (Moore) Southeast Elementary (Jenks) | Bates Elementary School (Dexter) Angell School (Ann Arbor) Wealthy Elementary (East Grand Rapids) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Whittier Middle School (Norman) Central Middle School (Edmond) Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond) | East Grand Rapids Middle School Clague Middle School (Ann Arbor) West Hills Middle School (Bloomfield Hills) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Edmond North High School Norman High School Jenks High School | International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School Pioneer High School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 private high schools | Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City) Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa) Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) | Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa) Bishop Kelley High School (Tulsa) | Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) |
Top 3 School Districts | Edmond Public Schools Norman Public Schools Jenks Public Schools | East Grand Rapids Public Schools Ann Arbor Public Schools Bloomfield Hills Schools |
How Much Do Oklahoma to Michigan Movers Cost?
Moving 1,067 miles from Oklahoma to Michigan 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,807 | 300 ft3 | $6.02 |
1 Bedroom | $2,689 | 450 ft3 | $5.97 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,443 | 750 ft3 | $5.92 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,462 | 1100 ft3 | $5.87 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,319 | 1600 ft3 | $5.82 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,394 | 1800 ft3 | $5.77 |
Top Oklahoma to Michigan Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oklahoma to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.