($1,496) Movers From Scottsdale, AZ to Oklahoma City, OK

What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Oklahoma City

Moving from Scottsdale to Oklahoma City means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Scottsdale than in Oklahoma City, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Scottsdale compares to Oklahoma City so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 62% lower than in Scottsdale, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Oklahoma City.
  Home prices in Oklahoma City are 76.3% lower than in Scottsdale.
• Income is the same in Oklahoma City and Scottsdale. The top employers in Oklahoma City include Hobby Lobby, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, and Accord Human Resources.
• The cost of living for a single person in Oklahoma City is 62.6% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Oklahoma City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oklahoma City is 42.7% higher than in Scottsdale.
• The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 6.38% lower than in Scottsdale.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the city’s sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 7.20% higher than in Scottsdale.
• State income taxes in Oklahoma City are 90.00% higher than in Scottsdale.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,121.15 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.

How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Oklahoma City

• The population of Oklahoma City is about 182% greater than Scottsdale, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around Oklahoma City without a car might be more difficult than in Scottsdale. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Scottsdale is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Oklahoma City means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Scottsdale. Oklahoma City is considered more walkable than Scottsdale, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Scottsdale. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Oklahoma City is considered more bike-friendly than Scottsdale in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Oklahoma City has a bike-friendliness score of 74 out of 100, while Scottsdale is rated as 56 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Oklahoma City is higher than in Scottsdale, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 49.37 in Oklahoma City, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Oklahoma City. With a crime index of 50.63, Oklahoma City ranks lower in overall safety than Scottsdale, whose index is Scottsdale's 74.2. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Oklahoma City and Scottsdale is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Scottsdale vs. Oklahoma City move

• Weather: Oklahoma City has very hot, humid summers, and cool winters with occasional snowfall. Prolonged and severe droughts (sometimes leading to wildfires in the vicinity), as well as very heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding and flooding, occur with some regularity. Oklahoma City is also located in tornado alley. 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 Oklahoma City. 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 Oklahoma City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "OKC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Oklahoma City.

Helpful moving resources