Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to OKtoggle

There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to Oklahoma will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from AL to OK

If you’re moving to Oklahoma from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Alabama Oklahoma
Average rent cost $925 $934
Average home cost $227,508 $205,968
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $61,364
Cost of Living Index 88 86
Unemployment rate 2.9% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 9.22% 8.95%
State Income Tax 5.0% 4.75%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about the same cost in Oklahoma and Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 9% lower in Oklahoma than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 3% higher in Oklahoma than in Alabama.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in Oklahoma than in Alabama.
  • Oklahoma has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 14%.
  • Sales taxes are 3% lower in Oklahoma than in Alabama.
  • Income taxes are 5% lower in Oklahoma than in Alabama.

How life is different in Oklahoma vs. Alabama

Oklahoma Alabama
Population 4,053,824 5,108,468
Political leaning Republican 66-34 Republican 65-35
Summer high 93ºF 91ºF
Winter low 26ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 39" 56"
Annual snow 6" 1"
Crime index 27.52 21.48
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Oklahoma is approximately 21% lower than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, Oklahoma voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Oklahoma is 93ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Oklahoma reaches the temperature of 26ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 39 inches of annual rainfall in Oklahoma versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In Oklahoma, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
  • Oklahoma has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 27.52 vs. 21.48.

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Oklahoma compared to Alabama.

Pros of living in Alabama Pros of living in Oklahoma
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
Tasty southern comfort food Low cost of living
Bountiful recreational opportunities Delicious barbecue
Top-notch college football Rapid earnings growth

Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Oklahoma.

Cons of living in Alabama Cons of living in Oklahoma
Poor quality of life Dull landscape
Severe weather Destructive weather
Restrictive alcohol laws Poor education
Poor healthcare Dangerous drivers
Cockroaches Low diversity

Other things to consider for your Alabama to Oklahoma movetoggle

  • Weather: Oklahoma has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Oklahoma is located in tornado alley and averages 62 tornadoes a year, one of the highest rates in the world.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Oklahoma moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Oklahoma does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Oklahoma. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opting for Released Value Protection is the most cost-effective choice since it comes at no extra expense. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover were to lose or damage a set of fine china weighing 15 pounds, you would only be compensated $9 (60 cents x 15 pounds). If you require coverage for the full value of your items, it is advisable to discuss alternative options with the moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Oklahomatoggle

While you’re in Oklahoma, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Oklahoma City National Memorial
  • Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens
  • Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve
  • Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
  • Gilcrease Museum
  • Turner Falls Park
  • JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum
  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
  • Oklahoma City Zoo
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Oklahoma?toggle

Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Oklahoma?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Alabama to Oklahoma separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Oklahoma?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Oklahoma are the amazing upsides of living in Oklahoma such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Oklahoma?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Oklahoma than in Alabama. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Oklahoma, with average rent about 1% less and home prices 9.5% lower than in Alabama. Taxes are also lower in Oklahoma, most notably income taxes, which are more than 5% less than those paid by Alabama residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Oklahoma?toggle

You should make approximately $64,656 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Oklahoma. The cost of living in Oklahoma is approximately $2,544 per month for an individual and $6,328 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Oklahoma you live For example, larger cities like Oklahoma City and Norman will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

Alabama moving services

Popular Alabama routes

Popular moving resources