Factors that influence moving costs from Tulsa to Houstontoggle

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 Houston might cost as little as $1,380, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,966.
  • 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 $464 to $1,186. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Houston

Moving from Tulsa to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Houston 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 Houston
Average rent cost $1,199 $1,549
Average home value $199,876 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $69,833
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $7,157
Unemployment rate 4.7% 4.1%
Sales tax 8.52% 8.25%
State income tax 4.75% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Houston are 29% 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 Houston are 32.1% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Houston is 33.2% higher than in Tulsa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 2.6% higher than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 151.1% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Houston is 12.77% lower than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Houston are 3.17% lower than in Tulsa.
  • One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,077.78 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Houston

Houston Tulsa
Population 2,301,572 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 47 39
Bike friendliness score 49 47
Crime Index 63.5 51.94
Safety Index 36.5 48.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Houston's population is about 457% greater than Tulsa.
  • Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tulsa's lower score of 4.
  • Houston is more walkable than Tulsa with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Tulsa's 39 out of 100.
  • Both Houston and Tulsa have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Houston is about as safe for cyclists as Tulsa. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Houston's crime rate is higher than Tulsa with a score of 63.5 compared to Tulsa's 51.94. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tulsa neighborhoods are safer than 51.94%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Tulsa with a score of 36.5 vs Tulsa's 48.06.
  • Air quality in Houston is good, and in Tulsa it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tulsa vs. Houston move

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Texas, 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 toHouston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Houston

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, itโ€™s time to see what Houston 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 Houston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโ€™s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tulsa to Houston. 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 Houston?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tulsa to Houston, 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 Houston take?

The 494-mile journey from Tulsa, OK to Houston, TX typically takes one to four 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 Houston.

Helpful moving resources