Factors influencing moving costs from Tulsa to Columbustoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tulsa to Columbus can be as low as $1,513 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,329.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tulsa, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $670 to $1,652. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Columbus

Moving from Tulsa to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Tulsa, 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:

Tulsa Columbus
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,441
Average home value $199,876 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $7,249
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.7%
Sales tax 8.52% 7.5%
State income tax 4.75% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 20% 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 Columbus are 19.5% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Columbus is 24.1% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 3.1% higher than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 154.4% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 21.28% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 11.97% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.32% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,093.33 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Columbus

Columbus Tulsa
Population 905,748 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 41 39
Bike friendliness score 48 47
Crime Index 49.65 51.94
Safety Index 50.35 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 119% greater than Tulsa.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tulsa's lower score of 4.
  • Columbus and Tulsa are similarily walkable.
  • Both Columbus and Tulsa have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Tulsa. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Columbus and Tulsa have a similar crime rate.
  • Columbus and Tulsa are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Tulsa it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tulsa vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re 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 Ohio moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Ohio, 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 toColumbus Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbus

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Victorian Village
  • Clintonville
  • Grandview Heights
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, itโ€™s time to see what Columbus 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 Columbus include museums and art centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller 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 Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Tulsa to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tulsa.

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

Because most people are moving from Tulsa to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Tulsa to Columbus take?

The 810-mile move from Tulsa, OK, to Columbus, OH, takes two to seven 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 Columbus.

Helpful moving resources