Moving from Irving
to Oklahoma City

Of course. Here is the Ultimate Moving Guide for relocating from Irving, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Ultimate Moving Guide: Irving, TX to Oklahoma City, OK

You’ve decided to make the move from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to the heart of the Great Plains. It’s a decision that trades the relentless energy of a major megalopolis for the deliberate, open-armed charm of a city on the rise. Moving from Irving to Oklahoma City isn't just a change of address; it's a fundamental shift in lifestyle, pace, and perspective. This guide is your data-backed, brutally honest roadmap to navigating that transition, helping you understand exactly what you’re leaving behind and what you’re gaining.

1. The Vibe Shift: From Mega-City Pulse to Frontier City Heartbeat

The first and most profound change you'll notice is the pace. Irving exists as a crucial cog in the Dallas-Fort Worth machine—a sprawling, diverse, and economically powerful suburb that operates at the breakneck speed of a top-ten U.S. metro area. Your days are likely framed by the traffic on Loop 12, the 635, or I-35E, and the sheer density of options in entertainment, dining, and culture is staggering. The energy is palpable, a constant hum of ambition and movement.

Oklahoma City, by contrast, hums a different tune. It’s a city of nearly 700,000 people that somehow feels like a town of 200,000. The infamous "Oklahoma City traffic" is a source of local jokes, a concept that will be laughable to anyone who has braved a Friday afternoon on the DFW North Central Expressway. The average commute in OKC is 22 minutes, compared to Irving’s 28 minutes (and that’s a best-case scenario without a major wreck on 183). You’re trading the stress of gridlock for the simple act of driving across town in 20 minutes, even during rush hour.

What you'll miss: The unparalleled diversity and global connectivity of DFW. The sheer volume of world-class museums (Kimbell, DMA, Nasher), concert venues hosting every major tour, and a restaurant scene that reflects every corner of the globe. The feeling that you are at the center of a massive, dynamic universe.

What you'll gain: A palpable sense of community and accessibility. In OKC, you’re not lost in a sea of millions. You’ll recognize your barista, your state representative at the grocery store, and your neighbors at the Thunder game. The city’s transformation, fueled by the MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiatives, is a visible, tangible source of civic pride. You’re moving from a city that is to a city that is becoming. The "Big Friendly" moniker isn't just a slogan; it’s a genuine ethos. People make eye contact. They hold doors. They are, for the most part, unapologetically friendly in a way that can feel disarmingly genuine to someone from the fast-paced DFW area.

2. Cost of Living: The Financial Windfall

This is where the move from Irving to Oklahoma City becomes objectively and undeniably advantageous for most. The cost of living is significantly lower across the board, but the single greatest difference lies in your tax burden.

The Tax Tale of the Tape

• Texas: Has no state income tax. This is a major selling point for the Lone Star State. However, it makes up for it with some of the highest property taxes in the nation. In Irving (Dallas County), the average effective property tax rate hovers around 2.1%.
• Oklahoma: Has a progressive state income tax, ranging from 0.25% to 4.75%. For a median household income, this is a significant number to budget for. However, Oklahoma’s property taxes are remarkably low. The average effective rate in Oklahoma County is around 0.9%—less than half of what you pay in Irving.

Let’s run a hypothetical scenario: You own a $400,000 home.

• In Irving, your annual property tax would be roughly $8,400.
• In Oklahoma City, on a $400,000 home, your annual property tax would be roughly $3,600.

That’s an immediate savings of $4,800 per year on property taxes alone. Now, you must factor in state income tax. If your household earns $100,000, your Oklahoma state income tax would be approximately $3,500. Even after accounting for this, you are still coming out ahead by over $1,200 annually, not including the savings on sales tax and other fees. This financial breathing room is a primary driver for many making this move.

Housing & Rent

The DFW housing boom has been relentless, and Irving has felt its effects. While more affordable than Dallas proper, the median home price in Irving is still significantly higher than in OKC.

• Irving, TX: The median home value is approximately $375,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,700/month.
• Oklahoma City, OK: The median home value is approximately $265,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,150/month.

For the same budget, you can expect to get more square footage, a larger yard, and potentially an extra bedroom in OKC. Your housing dollar stretches dramatically further.

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing and taxes, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are all slightly to moderately lower in Oklahoma City. The absence of toll roads (a constant expense in the DFW area) is a welcome relief.

3. Logistics: The Practicalities of the Move

The physical distance between Irving and Oklahoma City is 205 miles, a straight shot north on I-35. This is a manageable drive of about 3.5 hours, making it a relatively easy relocation.

Moving Options: DIY vs. Professional Movers

• DIY (Do-It-Yourself): For this distance, a DIY move is highly feasible. Renting a 16-foot U-Haul truck will cost approximately $150-$250 for the truck rental, plus fuel (approx. $100-$150) and the cost of your time and labor. This is the most budget-conscious option if you have a group of friends to help and your belongings are manageable.
• Professional Movers: Hiring a full-service moving company will be more expensive but far less stressful. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000. Get quotes from at least three reputable companies, and ensure they are licensed and insured for interstate moves.

What to Get Rid Of (And What to Pack Carefully)

This is a crucial step. You are moving from a humid subtropical climate (Irving) to a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, often windy winters (Oklahoma City).

What You Can Likely Ditch:

• Excessive Heavy Winter Gear: While OKC gets cold and even snow/ice storms, it’s not a long, drawn-out winter like in the northern plains. You don’t need a sub-zero parka. A quality insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat will suffice.
• Snow Tires: Completely unnecessary. All-season tires are fine.
• That Old, Inefficient Space Heater: OKC winters are cold, but modern HVAC systems are more than capable. Save the space for something else.

What You Absolutely Must Keep (and Buy More Of):

• Sunscreen and Sun Hats: The Oklahoma summer sun is intense. It’s a dry heat compared to Texas humidity, but the UV index is just as high. You will need more sun protection.
• A Quality Dehumidifier: While less humid than Irving, OKC summers can still get sticky. A dehumidifier for your home will make a world of difference.
• Layers, Layers, Layers: OKC weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience a 40-degree temperature swing in 24 hours. A t-shirt, a light sweater, and a jacket are essential for any given day in spring or fall.
• Allergy Medication: If you have seasonal allergies, prepare for them to potentially shift. The flora is different. The "Oklahoma Red Dirt" can also be a major allergen for newcomers.

4. Neighborhoods to Target: Finding Your New "Irving"

Irving is not a monolith. It has the upscale, corporate feel of Las Colinas, the dense, diverse, and affordable neighborhoods near Valley View, and the established, suburban charm of areas like Coppell borders. Here’s how to translate that to OKC.

If you liked the corporate, master-planned, and amenity-rich vibe of Las Colinas...
You will love Bricktown & The Deep Deuce. While more urban and dense, this area offers a similar blend of modern condos, walkability to upscale restaurants and bars, and a polished, planned feel. It’s the entertainment hub of the city, much like Las Colinas is for Irving. Also consider Midtown, which offers a similar energy with a slightly more residential, trendy twist.

If you liked the established, family-friendly, and diverse neighborhoods of Valley View or the areas near North Lake Houston...
You will find your home in The Paseo Arts District or Mesta Park. These neighborhoods are filled with charming, historic homes (1920s-1940s), mature trees, and a strong sense of community. The Paseo is vibrant and artistic, while Mesta Park is quiet and established. This is the equivalent of moving to an older, more character-rich part of Irving.

If you appreciate the quiet, suburban, and highly-rated school feel of the areas near Coppell or Las Colinas...
Look to Nichols Hills or The Village. Nichols Hills is one of the wealthiest and most exclusive zip codes in Oklahoma, known for its manicured lawns, large homes, and top-tier schools—think of it as the Highland Park of OKC. The Village offers a more middle-class, family-oriented suburban feel with excellent schools and well-maintained neighborhoods, very similar to the best parts of suburban Irving.

If you want affordability and a burgeoning, hipster vibe (similar to the parts of Irving near UTD or the innovation corridor)...
Check out The Plaza District and the surrounding areas. This is where the young creatives and professionals are settling. It’s vibrant, walkable, and full of unique local businesses. You get more bang for your buck here, and the energy is infectious.

5. The Verdict: Why Make This Move?

So, why leave the DFW powerhouse for Oklahoma City?

You make this move for breathing room.

You make it for the financial freedom that comes from a lower cost of living, where your salary stretches further and the dream of homeownership feels more attainable. You trade the state income tax for significantly lower property taxes and a more affordable housing market.

You make it for the lifestyle shift. You trade hour-long commutes for 20-minute drives. You trade the anonymity of a mega-city for the connection of a community. You trade the pressure of constant, high-stakes competition for the collaborative, can-do spirit of a city that is actively reinventing itself through massive public investment.

You make it for the quality of life. The access to outdoor activities, the surprisingly vibrant arts and food scene, the lack of major traffic, and the genuine friendliness of the people create a daily experience that is less stressful and more fulfilling for many.

This isn’t to say Oklahoma City is "better" than Irving. It’s different. It’s for those who feel the DFW area has become too crowded, too expensive, and too fast. It’s for those who want to be part of a city’s growth story, not just a resident of an established one. If you’re seeking a place where you can own your time, your home, and your community, Oklahoma City is not just a viable alternative—it’s a compelling destination.