Factors that influence moving costs from Tulsa to Mesatoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Tulsa to Mesa might cost as little as $1,523, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,776.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Tulsa, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $801 to $2,119. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Mesa

Moving from Tulsa to Mesa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tulsa than in Mesa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tulsa compares to Mesa so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tulsa Mesa
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,786
Average home value $199,876 $432,892
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $64,524
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,416
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $5,566
Unemployment rate 4.7% 6.1%
Sales tax 8.52% 8.3%
State income tax 4.75% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Mesa are 49% higher than in Tulsa, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Mesa are 116.6% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Mesa is 23.0% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 10.5% lower than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Mesa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 95.3% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Mesa is 29.79% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mesa are 2.58% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,684.44 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Mesa

Mesa Tulsa
Population 504,258 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 4
Walkability score 38 39
Bike friendliness score 60 47
Crime Index 44.67 51.94
Safety Index 55.33 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mesa's population is about 22% greater than Tulsa.
  • Mesa's public transportation has a similar score to Tulsa.
  • Mesa and Tulsa are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Tulsa, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Mesa's crime rate is lower than Tulsa with a score of 44.67 compared to Tulsa's 51.94. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94%.
  • Mesa is considered to be safer than Tulsa with a safety index of 55.33 vs Tulsa's 48.06.
  • Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Tulsa it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tulsa vs. Mesa move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • 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: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Arizona, 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 toMesa Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider 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 Mesa

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central
  • Southwest
  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • West Central

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Red Mountain Ranch
  • Superstition Springs
  • Eastmark
  • Dobson Ranch
  • Alta Mesa

Things to do in Mesa

After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, itโ€™s time to see what Mesa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mesa include museums and art centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tulsa to Mesa. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Tulsa.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tulsa to Mesa, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Tulsa to Mesa take?

The 1,051-mile journey from Tulsa, OK to Mesa, AZ typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Tulsa offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Mesa.

Helpful moving resources