Modesto, CA to Tulsa, OK Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Tulsa typically costs $3,600–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,651 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Tulsa
Moving from Modesto, CA to Tulsa, OK typically costs $3,600–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,651-mile move from Modesto to Tulsa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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 $5,472 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,991 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,991 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Modesto to Tulsa
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $11,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Modesto.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,100–$3,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tulsa, OK to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Tulsa movers by type
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Tulsa
For a stress-free interstate move from Modesto to Tulsa, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 CA→OK movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Tulsa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tulsa runs about 17% higher for singles and -52% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,700 in Tulsa versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $2,850 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,153 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $199,876 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $52,438 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,700 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $2,850 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 33% lower in Tulsa than in Modesto, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 55% lower in Tulsa than in Modesto.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 22% less in Tulsa than in Modesto.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tulsa, since the cost of living for a single person is 17% more than in Modesto. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- Moving to Tulsa could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 52% less than in Modesto.
- Tulsa experiences an unemployment rate that is about 41% lower than that of Modesto. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Tulsa and Modesto (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 64% lower in Oklahoma compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Modesto with Tulsa:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $230.03 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $57.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $3.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $48.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Tulsa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Tulsa.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Tulsa.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Tulsa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Tulsa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Tulsa.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Tulsa.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Tulsa
| Modesto | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 413,066 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 47 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 51.94 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 48.06 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tulsa's population is about 89% greater than Modesto.
- Tulsa's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Modesto's score of 5.
- Tulsa is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- Both Tulsa and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 47), meaning Tulsa is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tulsa's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 51.94 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Tulsa is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 48.06 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Tulsa is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Tulsa move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oklahoma moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Oklahoma doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tulsa smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tulsa
Now that you've chosen Oil Capital of the World as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tulsa to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Oklahoma home, it's time to see what Tulsa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tulsa offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Modesto to Tulsa?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Modesto to Tulsa are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Modesto are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Tulsa?
Because spring and fall moves from Modesto 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 Modesto to Tulsa take?
A move of 1,651 miles from Modesto, CA to Tulsa, OK generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Modesto sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tulsa is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Modesto offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Modesto have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
