Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbus to Oklahoma City move
What to know before moving from Columbus to Oklahoma City
Moving from Columbus 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 Columbus than in Oklahoma City, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbus compares to Oklahoma City so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Columbus | Oklahoma City | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,441 | $1,249 |
Average home value | $238,832 | $195,949 |
Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $64,251 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $2,150 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $6,520 |
Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 4.4% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.63% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 4.75% |
- Rent prices in Oklahoma City are 13% lower than in Columbus, which means youโll have more 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 18.0% lower than in Columbus. - Income in Oklahoma City is 1.3% lower than in Columbus, 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 22.8% lower than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Oklahoma City is 10.1% lower than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City is 22.81% lower than in Columbus.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oklahoma City, since the cityโs sales taxes in Oklahoma City are 15.07% higher than in Columbus.
- State income taxes in Oklahoma City are 35.71% higher than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,316.81 in Oklahoma City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 681,054 | 905,748 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 73 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 74 | 48 |
Crime Index | 49.37 | 49.65 |
Safety Index | 50.63 | 50.35 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Oklahoma City might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 25% less than Columbus.
- Getting around Oklahoma City without a car might be more difficult than in Columbus. Oklahoma City has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Columbus is ranked 5. 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 Columbus. Oklahoma City is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 41 out of 100 in Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus is rated as 48 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Oklahoma City as Columbus. 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 80โ100.
- Oklahoma City is generally as safe as Columbus, 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 Oklahoma City and Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus to Oklahoma City?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbus to Oklahoma City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbus are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Oklahoma City?
With many people choosing to move from Columbus 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 Columbus to Oklahoma City take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Oklahoma City, OK covers 915 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oklahoma City.