Durham, NC to Tulsa, OK Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Tulsa typically costs $2,900–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,138 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Durham to Tulsa
Moving from Durham, NC to Tulsa, OK typically costs $2,900–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,138-mile move from Durham to Tulsa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,911 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,838 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,307 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 12, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Durham to Tulsa move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Durham.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tulsa, OK to Durham, NC guide.
Best Durham to Tulsa movers by type
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Best professional movers from Durham to Tulsa
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Durham to Tulsa much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NC→OK movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 115 North Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Durham to Tulsa
Many movers find Tulsa easier on the wallet than Durham - roughly 4% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,700 for one person in Tulsa versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it's $2,850 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,153 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $199,876 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $52,438 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $2,700 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $2,850 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.75% |
- When relocating from Durham to Tulsa, expect to find rent about 29% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 49% more affordable in Tulsa compared to Durham.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 24% lower in Tulsa compared to Durham.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Tulsa and Durham is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- A move to Tulsa can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52% less than what it costs in Durham.
- Tulsa shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Durham by around 15%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Tulsa are 14% more than in Durham, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Oklahoma are 6% above those in North Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Durham and Tulsa:
| Living Expense | Durham | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $230.03 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $57.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $48.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Tulsa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Durham than in Tulsa.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Tulsa.
- Bread costs less in Durham than in Tulsa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Tulsa.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Tulsa.
How life is different in Durham vs. Tulsa
| Durham | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 413,066 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 47 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 51.94 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 48.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tulsa's population is about 46% greater than Durham.
- Tulsa's public transportation score is within about 5% of Durham, making them very similar.
- Tulsa is more walkable than Durham with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Tulsa is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tulsa and Durham have a similar crime rate with scores of 51.94 and 54.72, respectively.
- Tulsa is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 48.06 vs Durham's 45.28.
- Air quality in Tulsa is Good, and in Durham it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Tulsa move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Oklahoma’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Oklahoma does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tulsa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opting for Released Value Protection is the most cost-effective choice since it comes at no extra expense. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover were to lose or damage a set of fine china weighing 15 pounds, you would only be compensated $9 (60 cents x 15 pounds). If you require coverage for the full value of your items, it is advisable to discuss alternative options with the moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tulsa
Planning your move to Oil Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tulsa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Brookside
- Downtown Tulsa
- Brady Arts District
- Cherry Street
- Kendall-Whittier
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Tulsa
- Maple Ridge
- Florence Park
- Midtown
- Cherry Street
Things to do in Tulsa
After settling into your new Oklahoma home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tulsa has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tulsa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center, and Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gathering Place, Woodward Park, River Parks, and LaFortune Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an FC Tulsa (USL Championship)Tulsa Oilers (ECHL)Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Central)Tulsa Athletic (National Premier Soccer League)FC Tulsa Spirit (Women's Premier Soccer League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Tulsa?
Planning your move from Durham to Tulsa? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Tulsa?
Because most people are moving from Durham to Tulsa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Durham to Tulsa take?
The 1,138-mile journey from Durham, NC to Tulsa, OK, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Durham offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tulsa.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Durham?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Durham, 18 movers can manage piano relocations. 7 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
