Here is the Ultimate Moving Guide for relocating from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Ultimate Moving Guide: Colorado Springs to Tulsa
Making the decision to leave Colorado Springs for Tulsa is a significant lifestyle pivot. You are trading the rugged, high-altitude beauty of the Rockies for the rolling hills and vibrant cultural scene of Green Country. While both cities offer a high quality of life, the day-to-day experience, cost structure, and community vibe are fundamentally different. This guide is designed to give you a brutally honest, data-backed look at what you are leaving behind, what you are gaining, and how to execute this move seamlessly.
1. The Vibe Shift: From Thin Air to Southern Soul
The transition from Colorado Springs to Tulsa is less about geography and more about atmosphere.
Culture and Pace:
Colorado Springs is defined by its proximity to nature. The culture revolves around the outdoors—hiking Pikes Peak, cycling Garden of the Gods, and weekend trips to the mountains. It’s a city of transplants, with a mix of military families (thanks to the Air Force Academy and Peterson SFB) and outdoor enthusiasts. The pace is active but can feel competitive, especially in fitness circles.
Tulsa, conversely, is deeply rooted in its history and community. It’s a city that has reinvented itself from its oil-boom past into a hub for art deco architecture, world-class museums (like the Gathering Place and Philbrook), and a burgeoning food scene. The pace is more relaxed and neighborly. You’ll find a stronger sense of local identity here; people are proud to be Tulsans. The social calendar is filled with festivals, concerts at the BOK Center, and gatherings at the iconic Woody Guthrie Center.
The People:
Coloradans are often described as active, independent, and sometimes a bit reserved. Tulsans are overwhelmingly friendly, polite, and community-oriented. The famous "Southern hospitality" is real here—it’s common for strangers to hold doors, chat in grocery lines, and offer help. You will miss the immediate camaraderie of fellow outdoor adventurers, but you will gain a warm, welcoming community that values connection.
The Trade-Off:
You are trading traffic for humidity. Colorado Springs traffic is manageable compared to Denver, but it has grown significantly. Rush hour on I-25 and Academy Blvd can be frustrating. Tulsa’s traffic is notably lighter; commutes are generally shorter and less stressful. However, you are trading the dry, crisp mountain air for Oklahoma’s humid summers. The air in Tulsa is thick and heavy from June through August, a stark contrast to Colorado’s arid climate. You will also trade the stunning mountain vistas for the serene, green landscapes of the Arkansas River Valley and Osage Hills. The view is different, but it has its own quiet beauty.
2. Cost of Living Comparison: The Financial Reality
This is where the move becomes particularly compelling. Tulsa offers a significantly lower cost of living, with housing being the most dramatic difference.
Housing:
This is the single biggest financial win in this move. The Colorado Springs housing market has been red-hot for years, driven by its desirability and limited space. According to recent data from Zillow and Redfin, the median home value in Colorado Springs hovers around $430,000. In Tulsa, the median home value is approximately $210,000. You are essentially looking at doubling your purchasing power for a home. For renters, the difference is just as stark: the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs is around $1,400, while in Tulsa, it’s closer to $850.
Taxes: The Critical Factor
This is a data point you cannot ignore. Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%. Oklahoma has a progressive income tax system, but for most middle-class earners, the rate is significantly lower. The top bracket starts at a much higher income level. For a household earning $80,000, the effective tax rate in Oklahoma is often under 3%. This, combined with lower property taxes, can result in thousands of dollars in annual savings.
Groceries and Utilities:
Groceries are slightly less expensive in Tulsa, but the difference isn’t dramatic. Utilities, however, can be a mixed bag. You will spend far less on heating in Tulsa due to milder winters, but your summer electricity bills may be higher due to the need for constant air conditioning. Overall, the utility costs tend to balance out, but the savings on housing and taxes are overwhelming.
3. Logistics: Planning the 600-Mile Move
The physical move is a journey of roughly 600 miles, taking you from the foothills of the Rockies, across the plains of Kansas, and into the heart of Oklahoma. The drive is approximately 9 to 10 hours without significant stops.
Moving Options:
- Professional Movers (Full-Service): This is the most expensive but least stressful option. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect quotes in the $5,000 - $8,000 range. This includes packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Given the distance, this is a viable option if your budget allows.
- DIY Rental Truck (U-Haul, Penske): The most budget-friendly option for a smaller move. A 26-foot truck rental for this distance will cost between $1,200 - $2,000 for the truck plus fuel (expect 6-8 MPG for a loaded truck). You will be responsible for all labor—packing, loading, driving, unloading.
- Hybrid (Moving Container): Companies like PODS or U-Pack drop off a container, you pack it at your leisure, and they transport it. This offers a middle ground, costing roughly $3,000 - $5,000 for this distance.
What to Get Rid Of:
- Heavy Winter Gear: You will not need the same level of heavy-duty winter clothing. Keep a good coat and boots for occasional cold snaps, but you can downsize significantly from your Colorado wardrobe. The deep snow and consistent sub-zero temperatures are a thing of the past.
- Snow Removal Equipment: Shovels, snow blowers, and ice scrapers are obsolete. Sell them or give them away before you move.
- High-Altitude Specifics: If you have any equipment calibrated for high-altitude (some specialized cooking gear, for example), it will work perfectly fine at sea level.
- Excessive Outdoor Gear for Mountain Terrain: While Tulsa has great hiking, it’s not the same as 14,000-foot peaks. You can keep your hiking boots, but you may not need the same level of technical gear.
Pro Tip: Schedule your move for the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) to avoid both Colorado’s winter storms and Tulsa’s brutal summer heat.
4. Neighborhoods to Target: Finding Your New Home Base
Tulsa’s neighborhoods are distinct and offer different lifestyles. Here’s a guide based on what you might be leaving behind in Colorado Springs.
If you lived in: Downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City (Historic, Walkable, Artsy)
- Target: Downtown Tulsa or Brady District. Downtown Tulsa has undergone a massive revitalization. It’s home to the BOK Center, the historic Cain’s Ballroom, and a growing number of restaurants and lofts. The Brady District is the arts and entertainment hub, with galleries, theaters, and the iconic Woody Guthrie Center. You’ll get that urban, walkable feel with a strong cultural pulse.
If you lived in: Briargate or Northgate (Suburban, Family-Friendly, Modern)
- Target: South Tulsa or Bixby. South Tulsa offers excellent schools, newer housing developments, and ample shopping and dining options. Bixby, a suburb just south of Tulsa, is one of the fastest-growing communities in Oklahoma, known for its top-rated schools and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the analog to Briargate’s planned community vibe.
If you lived in: Manitou Springs or the Westside (Eclectic, Quirky, Close to Nature)
- Target: Brookside or Maple Ridge. Brookside is a charming, walkable neighborhood along the Arkansas River, filled with unique local shops, cafes, and a strong community feel. Maple Ridge is one of Tulsa’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods, known for its stunning historic homes and tree-lined streets. These areas offer a similar sense of character and walkability as Manitou Springs.
If you lived in: A Rural Area near Colorado Springs (Space, Privacy, Nature)
- Target: The Tulsa Metro Fringe or Owasso. Just north of Tulsa, Owasso offers more space, larger lots, and a suburban feel with easy access to the city. For a more rural experience, look into areas like Coweta or Bixby (east side), which have more land and a quieter pace while still being within a 30-minute drive to downtown Tulsa.
5. The Verdict: Why Make This Move?
So, is the move from Colorado Springs to Tulsa worth it? The answer depends on your priorities.
You should make this move if:
- Financial Freedom is a Priority: The dramatic reduction in housing costs and favorable tax situation can free up significant capital for savings, investments, or a higher quality of life.
- You Crave a Slower, More Connected Pace: If you’re tired of the transient nature of a military/outdoor town and want to sink roots into a warm, welcoming community, Tulsa delivers.
- You Value Culture Over Mountains: Tulsa’s investment in arts, music, and public spaces is impressive. If you’d rather spend a Saturday at a world-class museum or a concert than a 14,000-foot peak, you’ll thrive here.
You might struggle if:
- The Mountains are Non-Negotiable: If your mental health and daily happiness are tied to seeing the Rockies, the flat horizons of Oklahoma will feel confining.
- You Can’t Handle Humidity: The summer months in Tulsa can be oppressive. If you have respiratory issues or simply hate feeling sweaty, this will be a major adjustment.
- You Need a Major Metro Vibe: While Tulsa is a growing city, it doesn’t have the size, diversity, or 24/7 energy of a Denver. You will have fewer options for certain specialized services or international cuisine.
Final Thought:
You are not moving to a lesser version of Colorado Springs. You are moving to a different kind of city with its own unique strengths. You are trading altitude for affordability, mountain trails for river parks, and dry air for southern hospitality. For many, the financial and lifestyle benefits of Tulsa make it an incredibly smart and rewarding relocation.