Tulsa, OK to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tulsa to Tempe typically costs $2,800–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,057 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tulsa to Tempe
Moving from Tulsa, OK to Tempe, AZ typically costs $2,800–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,057-mile move from Tulsa to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,256 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,303 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,274 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Tulsa to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tulsa to Tempe may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tulsa.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to Tulsa, OK guide.
Best Tulsa to Tempe movers by type
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Best professional movers from Tulsa to Tempe
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Tulsa to Tempe. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best OK→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 32 Oklahoma moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tulsa to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 101% higher for singles and 139% higher for families than Tulsa.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $2,700 in Tulsa; families pay $6,810 compared with $2,850.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tulsa | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,153 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $199,876 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $52,438 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,700 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $2,850 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.52% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 4.75% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 53% more expensive in Tempe than in Tulsa. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 136% steeper in Tempe compared to Tulsa.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 22% greater in Tempe than in Tulsa, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tempe, with the cost of living for a single person being 101% more than in Tulsa. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Tempe, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 139% higher than in Tulsa.
- Tempe has a higher unemployment rate than Tulsa by about 15%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Tempe and Tulsa (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 47% less in Arizona compared to Oklahoma, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tulsa versus Tempe:
| Living Expense | Tulsa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $230.03 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.00 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.62 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.00 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tulsa than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Tulsa than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tulsa than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Tulsa than in Tempe.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tulsa than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tulsa than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in Tulsa than in Tempe.
How life is different in Tulsa vs. Tempe
| Tulsa | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 413,066 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 75 |
| Crime index | 51.94 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 48.06 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 56% less than Tulsa.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Tulsa's score of 4.
- Tempe is more walkable than Tulsa with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Tulsa's 39 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Tulsa, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe's crime rate is lower than Tulsa with a score of 42.36 compared to Tulsa's 51.94. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Tulsa with a safety index of 57.64 vs Tulsa's 48.06.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Tulsa it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tulsa to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tempe. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—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 Tempe
With your sights set on Tempe, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tempe. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tulsa to Tempe. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tulsa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tulsa to Tempe?
Want to save on your move from Tulsa to Tempe? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Tulsa to Tempe take?
The 1,057-mile move from Tulsa, OK, to Tempe, AZ, takes two to eight days. Some Tulsa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tempe.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tulsa?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Tulsa provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.