$1,105 Movers From Des Moines to Tulsa

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Tulsa, OK averages from $457 to $5,517 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Tulsa, OK.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tulsa to Des Moines guide.

Moving from Des Moines to Tulsa resources

Moving 461 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Tulsa?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,105 - $3,432 $695 - $1,685 $392 - $709
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,077 - $5,517 $1,232 - $2,323 $457 - $903
4+ bedrooms $3,377 - $7,674 $1,636 - $3,099 $559 - $1,086
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 461 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Des Moines to Tulsa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Tulsa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Tulsa will cost between $1,105 to $3,432. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,077 to $5,517, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Tulsa will cost from $3,377 to $7,674.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Tulsa?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Tulsa will cost you $695 to $1,685 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,232 to $2,323. A larger home will cost $1,636 to $3,099.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Tulsa?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $392 to $709. A larger move will cost $457 to $903, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Tulsa costs from $559 to $1,086. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Des Moines to Tulsa moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Tulsa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Tulsa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Tulsa

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Tulsa

Des Moines Tulsa
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,195
Average home value $192,347 $191,005
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $52,438
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $832
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $2,855
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.0%
Sales Tax 7.0% 8.52%
State Income Tax 4.4% 4.75%
  • Rent prices in Tulsa are 4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices are the same in Tulsa and Des Moines.
  • Income in Tulsa is 10.4% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tulsa is 56.0% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tulsa is 34.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Tulsa is 15.25% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Tulsa are 21.71% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Tulsa are 7.95% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,319.94 in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Tulsa?

Tulsa Des Moines
Population 413,066 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 39 45
Bike friendliness score 47 39
Crime Index 60.82 5.0
Safety Index 49.84 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tulsa's population is about 41% less than Des Moines.
  • Tulsa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Tulsa is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Tulsa is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Tulsa's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 60.82 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 60.82% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Tulsa is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 49.84 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Tulsa is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Tulsa

  • 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.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Tulsa

These are some of the best things to do in your new Oklahoma home.

  • Philbrook Museum of Art
  • Gilcrease Museum
  • BOK Center
  • Tulsa Zoo
  • ONEOK Field
  • Tulsa Performing Arts Center
  • Woodward Park
  • Tulsa Air and Space Museum
  • The Golden Driller
  • Oklahoma Aquarium

Get your sports on!

Tulsa is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • 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)

FAQs about moving from Des Moines to Tulsa

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tulsa?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Tulsa is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 93ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF in Tulsa.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tulsa?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Tulsa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Tulsa