($1,495) Movers From Washington DC, MD to Oklahoma City, OK

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Oklahoma City

Moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC than in Oklahoma City, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 48% lower than in Washington DC, 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 67.0% lower than in Washington DC.
• Income in Oklahoma City is 36.8% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less 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 45.7% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Oklahoma City is 41.2% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 37.14% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the city’s sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 43.83% higher than in Washington DC.
• One perk of moving to Oklahoma City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.39% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,627.55 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Oklahoma City

• Oklahoma City and Washington DC have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Oklahoma easier.
• Getting around Oklahoma City without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Oklahoma City neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 73 out of 100, Oklahoma City isn’t as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• If cycling is your thing, Oklahoma City is considered more bike-friendly than Washington DC 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 Washington DC is rated as 70 out of 100.
• Oklahoma City has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 49.37 and Washington DC's 60.37, 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 Washington DC, based on Oklahoma City’s safety index of 50.63 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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 check the status of a Oklahoma moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Oklahoma doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oklahoma City. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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 Oklahoma City

Ready to relocate to "OKC"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oklahoma City.

Helpful moving resources