Factors that influence moving costs from Tulsa to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Tulsa to Indianapolis might cost as little as $1,397, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,450.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Tulsa, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $573 to $1,452. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Indianapolis

Moving from Tulsa to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,399
Average home value $199,876 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,804
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $6,667
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.52% 7.0%
State income tax 4.75% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 17% 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 Indianapolis are 10.3% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 12.7% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis include Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 3.9% higher than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Indianapolis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 133.9% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 19.15% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Indianapolis are 17.84% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 33.68% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,115.56 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Tulsa
Population 887,642 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 31 39
Bike friendliness score 43 47
Crime Index 60.71 51.94
Safety Index 39.29 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Indianapolis's population is about 115% greater than Tulsa.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tulsa's lower score of 4.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Tulsa with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Tulsa's 39 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tulsa, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Tulsa with a score of 60.71 compared to Tulsa's 51.94. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Tulsa with a score of 39.29 vs Tulsa's 48.06.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Tulsa it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tulsa vs. Indianapolis move

  • Weather: Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
  • 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that itโ€™s up to date. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Indiana, 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 toIndianapolis Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company 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 Indianapolis

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Broad Ripple Village
  • Fountain Square
  • Mile Square
  • Meridian-Kessler
  • Old Northside

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Avon
  • Brownsburg
  • Carmel
  • Fishers
  • Westfield

Things to do in Indianapolis

After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, itโ€™s time to see what Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis include museums and art centers like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana War Memorial.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert 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 Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tulsa to Indianapolis. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Tulsa.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tulsa to Indianapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Tulsa to Indianapolis take?

The 635-mile journey from Tulsa, OK to Indianapolis, IN typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Tulsa offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Indianapolis.

Helpful moving resources