Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to OKtoggle

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California 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 California 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 CA to OK

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

Cost of living: California vs. Oklahoma

California Oklahoma
Average rent cost $1,856 $934
Average home cost $771,057 $205,968
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $61,364
Cost of Living Index 134 86
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 8.95%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.75%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 50% less expensive in Oklahoma than in California.
  • Home prices are about 73% lower in Oklahoma than in California.
  • The average income is about 33% lower in Oklahoma than in California.
  • Cost of living is 36% lower in Oklahoma than in California.
  • Oklahoma has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 39%.
  • Sales taxes are 3% higher in Oklahoma than in California.
  • Income taxes are 64% lower in Oklahoma than in California.

How life is different in Oklahoma vs. California

Oklahoma California
Population 4,053,824 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 66-34 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 93ºF 87ºF
Winter low 26ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 39" 22"
Annual snow 6" 7"
Crime index 27.52 28.43
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Oklahoma is approximately 90% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Oklahoma voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Oklahoma is 93ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Oklahoma reaches the temperature of 26ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 39 inches of annual rainfall in Oklahoma versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Oklahoma, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Oklahoma has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.52 vs. 28.43.

Comparing the pros of California 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 California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Oklahoma
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Low cost of living
Abundant recreational options Delicious barbecue
High quality of life Rapid earnings growth

Comparing the cons of living in California 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 California for Oklahoma.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Oklahoma
High cost of living Dull landscape
Heavy tax burdens Destructive weather
Natural disasters Poor education
Terrible traffic Dangerous drivers
Strange laws Low diversity

Other things to consider for your California 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 California to Oklahoma?toggle

Hiring a full-service California 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 California 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 California to Oklahoma separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from California 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 California or Oklahoma?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Oklahoma than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Oklahoma, with average rent about 50% less and home prices 73.3% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Oklahoma, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California 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.

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