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Oklahoma to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 924 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like tornado risk vs sunny weather), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs pueblo and spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and Barbecue Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 112% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in Arizona is 50.70% more expensive than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to Arizona will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Oklahoma to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Arizona

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Tornado risk
  • High humidity
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Flat terrain
  • Fewer job opportunities
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Sunny weather
  • Dry climate
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Mountainous regions
  • Growing economy

Arizona iconArizona
  • Higher living expenses
  • Transient population
  • Less agriculture
  • Hot long summers
  • Traffic congestion
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Lower cost of living
  • Friendly community
  • Rich farming culture
  • Distinct seasons
  • Shorter commutes

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to tornado risk and hello to sunny weather
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Arizona with a dry climate
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Oklahoma for diverse landscapes in Arizona
  • Get ready for mountainous regions in Arizona

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Oklahoma to live with higher living expenses in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a friendly community and have to settle with the con of a transient population
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich farming culture and get used to less agriculture in Arizona
  • Swap distinct seasons for hot, long summers

Oklahoma vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
Most iconic local food itemChicken Fried SteakSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishBarbecue BrisketCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFried Onion BurgersTacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQ SandwichVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Eischen's Bar
  • Leo's BBQ
  • Elote CafΓ©
  • Pizzicletta
  • Bacanora
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 Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Brisket and sumptuous Fried Onion Burgers, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Tacos of Arizona. 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 Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Elote CafΓ©, Pizzicletta, and Bacanora.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Arizona

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanPueblo and 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, Open floor plansEnergy efficiency, Outdoor living spaces
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and open floor plans, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and outdoor living spaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Oklahoma.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • Arizona housing costs are 112% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in Arizona is 50.70% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
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, HailWildfires, Heatwaves
Air QualityGoodModerate to Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 71Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F68Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3613
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60-3 (varies widely)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oklahoma to Arizona. Arizona gets 30% more sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • Arizona 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 wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 10 degrees warmer than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 23 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Arizona

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
Avg. Household Income$59,673$74,568
Cost of Living Index90.1101.2
State Income Tax5.04.5
Avg. Property Tax0.870.62
Avg. Sales Tax8.958.4
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Agriculture, AerospaceHealthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 25% more than in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in Arizona is 12% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.5 compared to 5.0 in OK
  • The affluence in Arizona is high compared to moderate affluence in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to significant poverty in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Arizona

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
Political Make-upConservativeModerate, with conservative & liberal areas
Local PoliticsStrong Republican influenceMix of Republican and Democratic influence
ReligionPredominantly ChristianDiverse, with Christianity being major but also a significant percentage of non-religious
  • Oklahoma tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as moderate with conservative and liberal areas
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse with Christianity being a major religion but also a significant percentage of non-religious individuals
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Arizona

ComparisonOklahomaArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChisholm Elementary School
Edmond; Russell Dougherty Elementary School
Edmond; Northern Hills Elementary School
Edmond
Hopi Elementary School
Scottsdale; Manzanita Elementary School
Tucson; Basis Ahwatukee
Phoenix
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School
Norman; Sequoyah Middle School
Edmond; Central Middle School
Edmond
Baseline Middle School
Tempe; Orange Grove Middle School
Tucson; Cocopah Middle School
Scottsdale
Top 3 High School SchoolsEdmond North High School
Edmond; Norman High School
Norman; Jenks High School
Jenks
Chaparral High School
Scottsdale; University High School
Tucson; Basis Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Top 3 private high schoolsCascia Hall Preparatory School
Tulsa; Heritage Hall
Oklahoma City; Bishop Kelley High School
Tulsa
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix; The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeritage Hall
Oklahoma City; Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Oklahoma City; Cascia Hall Preparatory School
Tulsa
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix; Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley; The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Edmond; Norman Public Schools
Norman; Jenks Public Schools
Jenks
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale; Catalina Foothills School District
Tucson; Chandler Unified School District
Chandler

How Much Do Oklahoma to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 924 miles from Oklahoma to Arizona 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,726300 ft3$5.75
1 Bedroom$2,567450 ft3$5.70
2 Bedrooms$4,241750 ft3$5.65
3 Bedrooms$6,1651100 ft3$5.60
4 Bedrooms$8,8871600 ft3$5.55
5+ Bedrooms$9,9081800 ft3$5.50

Top Oklahoma to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details