Planning your move to the Sooner State? You’re not alone! More than 117,800 people are moving to Oklahoma, making it one of the top 10 states for relocation. With this growth, Oklahoma’s population has hit 3.9 million in 2024.
Oklahoma hosts 6 Fortune 500 companies—ONEOK and Devon Energy—and offers a strong job market. Living costs are also lower in the Sooner State, at an average of $2,467 per month. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to OK:
| # | Reasons to Move to OK | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Oklahoma is 12% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Sooner State aims to add 88,270 new jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Business Friendly Environment | Oklahoma ranks #2 for the lowest business tax burden in the US. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oklahoma is 17.8% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Oklahoma’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Oklahoma City | $265,000 | $1,013 | $102 | $299.03 | $574 |
| Tulsa | $239,000 | $968 | $72.4 | 230.03 | $583 |
| Edmond | $369,000 | $1,167 | $45.6 | $176.39 | $546 |
| Norman | $288,490 | $1,231 | $45.8 | $230.43 | $566 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Oklahoma’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Sooner State aims to add 88,270 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Education and Healthcare Sector: This sector is projected to add 22,030 jobs by the end of 2032. The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma City University, and Northern Oklahoma College are some of the top employers in the state.
- Professional and Business Services: Deloitte, IBM, and Express Employment Professionals are top employers. This sector is expected to add 15,680 new jobs by 2032. Key roles include technical consultants, project managers, and business analysts.
- Leisure and Hospitality: This sector is projected to add 18,350 new jobs by 2032. Hotel chains like Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott seek roles such as chefs, hotel managers, and event coordinators.
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector is forecasted to add 14,640 jobs. Top employers include Walmart, Amazon, and Love’s Travel.
3. Business-Friendly Environment
Oklahoma has a business-friendly environment, and is often known as the Land of Opportunity. The state’s energy costs are over 20% lower than the national average. Additionally, Oklahoma ranks #2 for the lowest business tax burden in the US.
Incentives like the Quality Jobs Program provide up to 10 years of cash rebates for job creation, while manufacturers enjoy a 5-year property tax exemption. These benefits make Oklahoma cost-effective for both new and expanding companies.
Cost of Moving to Oklahoma 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to OK:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $390 to $3,250
Moving to Oklahoma involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Oklahoma moving company typically costs $98 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Oklahoma.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Oklahoma.
- When relocating to Oklahoma, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in OK is around $407/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Oklahoma. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in OK can go up to $96. A standard title fee is $11.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Sooner State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Norman, the average rent ranges between $900 and $1,500.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Oklahoma, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Oklahoma in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Nichols Hills have a median home price of $1.8M. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Anadarko is $70K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Oklahoma ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to OK, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Oklahoma neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
