Key factors that influence moving costs from Cincinnati to Tulsatoggle

The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Cincinnati to Tulsa might cost just $1,449 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,058 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Cincinnati, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $613 and $1,474, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Tulsa

Moving from Cincinnati to Tulsa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tulsa is generally more expensive than Cincinnati, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Cincinnati Tulsa
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,199
Average home value $232,735 $199,876
Average income (per capita) $65,682 $52,438
Cost of living (single person) $2,467 $2,700
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,418 $2,850
Unemployment rate 4.9% 4.7%
Sales tax 6.5% 8.52%
State income tax 3.5% 4.75%
  • Rent prices in Tulsa are 17% lower than in Cincinnati, 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 Tulsa.
    Home prices in Tulsa are 14.1% lower than in Cincinnati.
  • Income in Tulsa is 20.2% lower than in Cincinnati, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tulsa include Imperial, Hilti, and QuikTrip.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tulsa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tulsa is 9.4% higher than in Cincinnati. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tulsa is 55.6% lower than in Cincinnati.
  • The unemployment rate in Tulsa is 4.08% lower than in Cincinnati.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tulsa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tulsa are 31.08% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • State income taxes in Tulsa are 35.71% higher than in Cincinnati.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,283.34 in Tulsa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cincinnati.

How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Tulsa

Tulsa Cincinnati
Population 413,066 309,317
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 39 49
Bike friendliness score 47 36
Crime Index 51.94 48.47
Safety Index 48.06 49.53
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tulsa is about 34% greater than Cincinnati, 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 Tulsa without a car might be more difficult than in Cincinnati. Tulsa has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Cincinnati is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tulsa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Cincinnati. Based on its score of 39 out of 100, Tulsa isnโ€™t as walkable as Cincinnati, which has a score of 49 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, Tulsa is considered more bike-friendly than Cincinnati in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tulsa has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Cincinnati is rated as 36 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tulsa as Cincinnati. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tulsa is generally as safe as Cincinnati, 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.
  • The air quality in Tulsa and Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati vs. Tulsa move

  • 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: 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 regulationsโ€”some 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Oklahoma, though it\โ€™s 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 toTulsa 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 Tulsa

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Oil Capital of the World" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tulsa to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Brookside
  • Downtown Tulsa
  • Brady Arts District
  • Cherry Street
  • Kendall-Whittier

Best neighborhoods for families

  • South Tulsa
  • Maple Ridge
  • Florence Park
  • Midtown
  • Cherry Street

Things to do in Tulsa

After settling into your new Oklahoma home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tulsa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tulsa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium, and Vintage Sewing Center And Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gathering Place, Woodward Park, River Parks, and LaFortune Park 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 FC Tulsa (USL Championship), Tulsa Oilers (ECHL), Tulsa Drillers (Double-A Central), or Tulsa Athletic (National Premier Soccer League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Tulsa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cincinnati to Tulsa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cincinnati.

When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Tulsa?

Because spring and fall moves from Cincinnati to Tulsa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Cincinnati to Tulsa take?

Covering 741 miles, the move from Cincinnati, OH to Tulsa, OK typically takes one to six days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTulsa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources