Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Phoenix to Tulsa
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Tulsa
Moving from Phoenix to Tulsa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tulsa is generally more expensive than Phoenix, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Phoenix | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,199 |
| Average home value | $411,139 | $199,876 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $52,438 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $2,700 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $2,850 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.6% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.75% |
- Rent prices in Tulsa are 29% lower than in Phoenix, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tulsa.
Home prices in Tulsa are 51.4% lower than in Phoenix. - Income in Tulsa is 18.8% lower than in Phoenix, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tulsa include Imperial, Hilti, and QuikTrip.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tulsa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tulsa is 14.0% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Tulsa is 45.5% lower than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in Tulsa is 28.79% lower than in Phoenix.
- Sales taxes are the same in Tulsa and Phoenix.
- State income taxes in Tulsa are 90.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,419.16 in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Tulsa
| Tulsa | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 413,066 | 1,608,139 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 56 |
| Crime Index | 51.94 | 53.06 |
| Safety Index | 48.06 | 46.94 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tulsa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 74% less than Phoenix.
- Getting around Tulsa without a car might be more difficult than in Phoenix. Tulsa has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Phoenix is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Tulsa to be about as walkable as Phoenix. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 39 and 41 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tulsa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Phoenix. While Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Tulsa earned a 47. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tulsa as Phoenix. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Tulsa is generally as safe as Phoenix, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Tulsa has better air quality than in Phoenix. Tulsa has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Phoenix. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Tulsa move
- Weather: Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oklahoma moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Oklahoma does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tulsa. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Tulsa
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Oil Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Now that you've made the move to Oklahoma, itโs the perfect time to explore Tulsa. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tulsa, such as the Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium, and Vintage Sewing Center And Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gathering Place, Woodward Park, River Parks, and LaFortune Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an FC Tulsa (USL Championship), Tulsa Oilers (ECHL), Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Central), or Tulsa Athletic (National Premier Soccer League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Tulsa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Phoenix to Tulsa. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Phoenix.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Tulsa?
Because spring and fall moves from Phoenix to Tulsa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Phoenix to Tulsa take?
Covering 1,066 miles, the move from Phoenix, AZ to Tulsa, OK typically takes two to eight days. Some Phoenix movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTulsa can help bridge the gap.
