($1,152) Movers From Kansas City, MO to Oklahoma City, OK

What to know before moving from Kansas City to Oklahoma City

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

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

• Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 4% lower than in Kansas City, 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 16.0% lower than in Kansas City.
• Income is the same in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. 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 13.1% lower than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Oklahoma City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oklahoma City is 2.5% higher than in Kansas City.
• The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 16.98% lower than in Kansas City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the city’s sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 2.74% higher than in Kansas City.
• One perk of moving to Oklahoma City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 1.04% lower than in Kansas City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,608.17 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.

How life is different in Kansas City vs. Oklahoma City

• The population of Oklahoma City is about 34% greater than Kansas City, 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.
• Getting around Oklahoma City without a car might be more difficult than in Kansas City. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Kansas City is ranked 4. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Oklahoma City means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Kansas City. Oklahoma City is considered more walkable than Kansas City, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Kansas City. A city’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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City is rated as 35 out of 100.
• Oklahoma City has a lower crime rate than Kansas City based on scores of 49.37 and Kansas City's 58.4, 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 Kansas City, based on Oklahoma City’s safety index of 50.63 versus 42.6 for Kansas City. 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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