Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Tulsatoggle

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Columbus to Tulsa might cost just $1,441 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,164 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $650 and $1,735, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Tulsa

Moving from Columbus to Tulsa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tulsa is generally more expensive than Columbus, itโ€™s 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:

Columbus Tulsa
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,199
Average home value $157,861 $199,876
Average income (per capita) $50,542 $52,438
Cost of living (single person) $2,041 $2,700
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,834 $2,850
Unemployment rate 5.3% 4.7%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.52%
State income tax 5.49% 4.75%
  • Rent prices in Tulsa are 9% higher than in Columbus, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Tulsa are 26.6% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Tulsa is 3.8% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more 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 32.3% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tulsa is 25.7% lower than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Tulsa is 11.32% lower than in Columbus.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tulsa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tulsa are 5.33% lower than in Columbus.
  • One perk of moving to Tulsa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.48% lower than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,968.64 in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Tulsa

Tulsa Columbus
Population 413,066 206,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 2
Walkability score 39 25
Bike friendliness score 47 31
Crime Index 51.94 72.18
Safety Index 48.06 27.82
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tulsa is about 100% greater than Columbus, 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.
  • Tulsa offers better access to buses and trains than Columbus, based on public transportation ratings. Tulsa has a transit score of 4 out of 10 compared to 2 in Columbus. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Tulsa means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbus. Tulsa is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 39 out of 100 versus 25 out of 100 in Columbus. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tulsa is considered more bike-friendly than Columbus in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tulsa has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Columbus is rated as 31 out of 100.
  • Tulsa has a lower crime rate than Columbus based on scores of 51.94 and Columbus's 72.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tulsa than in Columbus, based on Tulsaโ€™s safety index of 48.06 versus 27.82 for Columbus. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tulsa and Columbus 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 Columbus 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

After settling into your new Oklahoma home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tulsa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tulsa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 cityโ€™s Gathering Place, Woodward Park, River Parks, and LaFortune Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Columbus to Tulsa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbus to Tulsa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbus.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Tulsa?

Because spring and fall moves from Columbus 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 Columbus to Tulsa take?

Covering 807 miles, the move from Columbus, GA to Tulsa, OK typically takes two to seven days. Some Columbus movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTulsa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources