Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to Oklahoma City movetoggle

The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,284, while larger moves may reach $7,365 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Indianapolis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $664 to $1,551, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City

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

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

Indianapolis Oklahoma City
Average rent cost $1,399 $1,249
Average home value $220,467 $195,949
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $64,251
Cost of living (single person) $2,804 $2,150
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,667 $6,520
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.4%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.63%
State income tax 3.15% 4.75%
  • Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 11% lower than in Indianapolis, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Oklahoma City.
    Home prices in Oklahoma City are 11.1% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in Oklahoma City is 8.7% higher than in Indianapolis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. 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 23.3% lower than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oklahoma City is 2.2% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 21.43% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 23.29% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in Oklahoma City are 50.79% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,300.29 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Indianapolis
Population 681,054 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 73 31
Bike friendliness score 74 43
Crime Index 49.37 60.71
Safety Index 50.63 39.29
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oklahoma City might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 23% less than Indianapolis.
  • Getting around Oklahoma City without a car might be more difficult than in Indianapolis. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Indianapolis is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Oklahoma City means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Indianapolis. Oklahoma City is considered more walkable than Indianapolis, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Indianapolis. A cityโ€™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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis is rated as 43 out of 100.
  • Oklahoma City has a lower crime rate than Indianapolis based on scores of 49.37 and Indianapolis's 60.71, 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 Oklahoma City than in Indianapolis, based on Oklahoma Cityโ€™s safety index of 50.63 versus 39.29 for Indianapolis. 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 Oklahoma City and Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Bricktown
  • Automobile Alley
  • Deep Deuce
  • The Arts District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bethany
  • Crown Heights/Edgemere Heights
  • Edmond
  • Mustang
  • Nichols Hills

Things to do in Oklahoma City

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Oklahoma, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Oklahoma City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Oklahoma City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Hefner Lake & Park, Wheeler Ferris Wheel, Will Rogers Park, and Martin Park Nature Center โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League), or Oklahoma City Football Club (Women's Premier Soccer League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Indianapolis are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City?

With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City take?

Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Oklahoma City, OK covers 739 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oklahoma City.

Helpful moving resources