Moving to Oklahoma: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Planning a move to Oklahoma? You’re in good company. The Sooner State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Oklahoma City or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.

Oklahoma has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Oklahoma so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Oklahoma information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to OK
Top car shippers to OK
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Oklahoma

Relocating to Oklahoma has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Sooner State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Oklahoma

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Low cost of living
✓Delicious barbecue
✓Rapid earnings growth

Cons of living in Oklahoma

✖Dull landscape
✖Destructive weather
✖Poor education
✖Dangerous drivers
✖Low diversity

Things to do in Oklahoma

Whether you’re moving to Oklahoma for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Oklahoma has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Gilcrease Museum
Turner Falls Park
JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Oklahoma City Zoo

Museums in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Philbrook Museum of Art
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Science Museum Oklahoma
Gilcrease Museum
Forgotten Wheels Museum
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Museum of the Great Plains
Museum of Osteology
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Parks in Oklahoma

Gathering Place
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Turner Falls Park
Medicine Park
Woodward Park
Hefner Lake & Park
River Parks
Honor Heights Park
Haikey Creek Park
Wheeler Ferris Wheel

Fun facts about Oklahoma

Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.

Discovering these fun facts about Oklahoma gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.

The name of the state is derived from the choctaw words “okla” and “humma”, meaning “red people”.
The Oklahoma state motto is “Labor Omnia Vincit” – Labor conquers all things.
Oklahoma is the only state in the U.S. that produces Iodine. It is also one of the only four states that produce Helium.
Shopping carts were first invented and used in Oklahoma before they were used anywhere else in the world.
Oklahoma was added to the United States as a part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
Arcadia, Oklahoma has the world’s largest sculpture pop bottle. Neon lights are used to light up the 66-foot-tall sculpture at night.
Because of the droughts and high winds that the state suffered during the 1930s, more than a million residents of Oklahoma migrated to California. The migrants were known as “Okies”.
The worst dust storm during the period occurred on a Sunday on April 14, 1935, when 3 million tons of top soils are estimated to have blown off the Great Plains. The dust would move inside of even the well-sealed homes leaving a coating on food, skin and furniture.
nother amazing fact about OK is that that after California, Oklahoma has the second largest Native American population in the country.

Oklahoma population and demographics

Thinking about moving to Oklahoma? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Sooner State really feels like.

Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.

Getting to know who lives in Oklahoma, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.

Metric	Oklahoma
Population	4,053,824
Female	50.3%
Male	49.7%
College graduation rate	27.92%
Political leaning	Republican 66-34
Crime index	27.52

Oklahoma weather

Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if Oklahoma is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.

Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know Oklahoma’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Metric	Oklahoma
Summer high	93ºF
Winter low	26ºF
Annual rain	39″
Annual snow	6″

Income and cost of living in Oklahoma

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in Oklahoma really is.

Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what Oklahoma offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($29.3 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($18.9 billion)
Manufacturing ($18.5 billion)
Professional and business services ($16.9 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($15.4 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($13.3 billion)
Retail trade ($11.1 billion)
Wholesale trade ($11 billion)
Finance and insurance ($7.6 billion)
Construction ($7.3 billion)

Metric	Oklahoma
Average rent cost	$934
Average home cost	$205,968
Average income (per capita)	$61,364
Cost of living index*	86
Unemployment rate	3.3%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.75%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Oklahoma

If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Oklahoma has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Oklahoma:

The University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
The University of Tulsa
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oral Roberts University
University of Central Oklahoma
Northeastern State University
Oklahoma City University
Cameron University
Rogers State University
Oklahoma Christian University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southern Nazarene University
East Central University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Oklahoma

After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 30 right here in Oklahoma—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.

If you’re getting ready to move to the Sooner State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.

Cost of moving to Oklahoma

Before you head to Oklahoma, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.

How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.

If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.

Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Oklahoma

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma car insurance requirements

Make sure you follow Oklahoma state law by getting car insurance with the required minimum coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Oklahoma drivers license requirements

You can transfer a valid driver’s license from a US territory to Oklahoma without needing to take written or driving tests. If the license is expired, you must take both tests. To transfer your license, show primary and secondary ID, proof of your full legal name and birthdate, and proof that you are legally in the US to a Driver License Examiner.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Oklahoma?

Moving to Oklahoma is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Oklahoma is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Oklahoma?

On the cost of living index, Oklahoma has a score of 86. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Oklahoma?

The average income in OK is $61,364, and the an unemployment rate is 3.3. Home prices are $205,968, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $934.

What is the downside of living in Oklahoma?

Like any place, Oklahoma has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Sooner State include:

Dull landscape
Destructive weather
Poor education
Dangerous drivers
Low diversity

Oklahoma Moving Resources

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