Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Oklahoma City move
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Oklahoma City
Moving from Buffalo 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 Buffalo than in Oklahoma City, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Buffalo compares to Oklahoma City so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Buffalo | Oklahoma City | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,249 |
Average home value | $213,418 | $195,949 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $64,251 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $2,150 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,720 | $6,520 |
Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 4.4% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.63% |
State income tax | 10.9% | 4.75% |
- Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 4% higher than in Buffalo, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Oklahoma City.
Home prices in Oklahoma City are 8.2% lower than in Buffalo. - Income in Oklahoma City is 1.3% higher than in Buffalo, 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 17.0% lower than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 14.0% higher than in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 53.68% lower than in Buffalo.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the cityโs sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 1.37% lower than in Buffalo.
- One perk of moving to Oklahoma City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.42% lower than in Buffalo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,491.31 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 681,054 | 278,349 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 7 |
Walkability score | 73 | 67 |
Bike friendliness score | 74 | 63 |
Crime Index | 49.37 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 50.63 | 53.55 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Oklahoma City is about 145% greater than Buffalo, 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 Buffalo. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Buffalo is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Oklahoma City means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Buffalo. Oklahoma City is considered more walkable than Buffalo, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 67 out of 100 in Buffalo. A cityโs 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo is rated as 63 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Oklahoma City is higher than in Buffalo, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 49.37 in Oklahoma City, it is 8.0 in Buffalo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- Oklahoma City is generally as safe as Buffalo, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Oklahoma City has better air quality than in Buffalo. Oklahoma City has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Buffalo. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oklahoma moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Oklahoma, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toOklahoma City Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Oklahoma City
Now that youโve chosen "OKC" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma City to check out.
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
After settling into your new Oklahoma home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Oklahoma City has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Oklahoma City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 cityโs Hefner Lake & Park, Wheeler Ferris Wheel, Will Rogers Park, and Martin Park Nature Center 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 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 Buffalo to Oklahoma City?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Oklahoma City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Oklahoma City?
With many people choosing to move from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Oklahoma City take?
Moving from Buffalo, NY to Oklahoma City, OK covers 1,244 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Buffalo movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oklahoma City.