Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tulsa to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Tulsa to Phoenix
Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix 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 Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tulsa compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tulsa | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,199 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $199,876 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $52,438 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,700 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $2,850 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.52% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 4.75% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 41% 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 Phoenix are 105.7% higher than in Tulsa. - Income in Phoenix is 23.1% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 12.3% lower than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 83.4% higher than in Tulsa.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 40.43% higher than in Tulsa.
- Sales taxes are the same in Phoenix and Tulsa.
- One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Tulsa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,632.22 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.
How life is different in Tulsa vs. Phoenix
| Phoenix | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 413,066 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 53.06 | 51.94 |
| Safety Index | 46.94 | 48.06 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 289% 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.
- Phoenix offers better access to buses and trains than Tulsa, based on public transportation ratings. Phoenix has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Tulsa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Phoenix to be about as walkable as Tulsa. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 39 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix 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. Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Tulsa is rated as 47 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Phoenix as Tulsa. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Phoenix is generally as safe as Tulsa, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Tulsa, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Phoenix has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Tulsa is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Tulsa vs. Phoenix move
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100ยฐ F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Arizona, 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 toPhoenix Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider 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 Phoenix
Now that youโve chosen "Arizona's Urban Heart" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, itโs time to see what Phoenix is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Phoenix include museums and art centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโs Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze 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 Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tulsa to Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Tulsa to Phoenix 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 Phoenix take?
Moving from Tulsa, OK to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,066 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tulsa movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.
