Key factors that impact the cost of your Tulsa to Philadelphia movetoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Tulsa to Philadelphia (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,519, while larger moves may reach $9,916 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Tulsa.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $941 to $2,287, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Philadelphia

Moving from Tulsa to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Tulsa Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,695
Average home value $199,876 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $6,190
Unemployment rate 4.7% 10.6%
Sales tax 8.52% 8.0%
State income tax 4.75% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 41% 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 Philadelphia are 8.5% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 34.9% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 5.9% lower than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 117.2% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 125.53% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Philadelphia are 6.10% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 35.37% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,823.33 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Tulsa
Population 1,603,797 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 4
Walkability score 75 39
Bike friendliness score 67 47
Crime Index 66.09 51.94
Safety Index 33.91 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 288% 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.
  • Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Tulsa, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tulsa. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Tulsa, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 39 out of 100 in Tulsa. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Tulsa is rated as 47 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia 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 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 51.94 in Tulsa. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia move

  • Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
  • 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, 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 toPhiladelphia Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Philadelphia

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase

Things to do in Philadelphia

After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, itโ€™s time to see what Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia include museums and art centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tulsa to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tulsa are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Tulsa to Philadelphia 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 Tulsa to Philadelphia take?

Moving from Tulsa, OK to Philadelphia, PA covers 1,278 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tulsa movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources