Key factors that influence moving costs from Tulsa to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Tulsa to Washington DC
Moving from Tulsa to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Tulsa, itโs 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:
Tulsa | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,199 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $199,876 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $52,438 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,700 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $2,850 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 8.52% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 4.75% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 100% higher than in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa.
Home prices in Washington DC are 197.4% higher than in Tulsa. - Income in Washington DC is 94.0% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 46.8% higher than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 289.2% higher than in Tulsa.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 48.94% higher than in Tulsa.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 29.58% lower than in Tulsa.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 21.05% higher than in Tulsa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,403.33 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.
How life is different in Tulsa vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Tulsa | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 413,066 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
Walkability score | 77 | 39 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 47 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 51.94 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 48.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Washington DC is about 71% greater than Tulsa, 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.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Tulsa, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 4 in Tulsa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tulsa. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Tulsa, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 39 out of 100 in Tulsa. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than Tulsa in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Tulsa is rated as 47 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Tulsa, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.37 in Washington DC, it is 51.94 in Tulsa. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than Tulsa, whose index is Tulsa's 48.06. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Washington DC and Tulsa 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 Tulsa vs. Washington DC move
- Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Maryland, 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 toWashington DC Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options 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 Washington DC
Now that youโve chosen "DC" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Washington DC to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
After getting comfortable in your new Maryland home, itโs time to see what Washington DC is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Washington DC include museums and art centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island 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 Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tulsa to Washington DC. Youโll 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 Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Tulsa to Washington DC 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 Tulsa to Washington DC take?
Covering 1,207 miles, the move from Tulsa, OK to Washington DC, MD typically takes two to eight days. Some Tulsa movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.