Best Tulsa to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Tulsa to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 692 mile move from Oklahoma to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Tulsa to Chicago moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Tulsa compared to Chicago. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Tulsa to Chicago Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Serenity Moving Services | 9.11 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Bigger Better Movers | 8.56 | 8.97 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Emrick's Van & Storage | 8.16 | 7.64 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Tulsa to Chicago
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 692 miles from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL will cost on average $2,370 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Tulsa to Chicago move is roughly $5,683. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,595 | 300 ft³ | 5.32 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,370 | 450 ft³ | 5.27 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,912 | 750 ft³ | 5.22 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,683 | 1100 ft³ | 5.17 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,186 | 1600 ft³ | 5.12 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,119 | 1800 ft³ | 5.07 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Tulsa guide.
Compare the 5 Best Tulsa to Chicago Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
Serenity Moving Services
This listing has been claimed by Serenity Moving Services3217 Bart Conner Dr suite d
Norman, OK, 73072
About Serenity Moving Services
Locally owned and operated since 2014, Serenity Moving Services provides local residential relocation services to the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, community. This...
Services
- Full Service Moving
- Packing & Unpacking
- Piano Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2439364 / 988784 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |
Bigger Better Movers
829 NW 116th St
Oklahoma City, OK, 73120
About Bigger Better Movers
Founded in 2017, Bigger Better Movers is a local Oklahoma moving company that offers residential and commercial relocation services to Oklahoma...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3910852 / 1443568 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |
Emrick's Van & Storage
4021 NW 3rd St
Oklahoma City, OK, 73107
About Emrick's Van & Storage
Since 1904, Emrick's Van and Storage has provided relocation services to much of Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The company's...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 34233 / 135250 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 20 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,000 (2024) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
When moving to a new city, it can be comforting to find familiar sights and sounds in your new neighborhood. This guide will help you do just that, by comparing Tulsa, OK & Chicago, IL neighborhoods. By using your current community as a baseline, we'll aid in your transition, highlighting comparable districts to ease your relocation process.
| Tulsa | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Brookside | Wicker Park | Vibrant nightlife, indie shops |
| Cherry Street | Lincoln Park | Bustling urban area, parks |
| Maple Ridge | Gold Coast | Historic homes, upscale living |
| Midtown | Loop | Central business district, high-rises |
| Riverside Drive | Lakeview | Scenic lakeshore, active community |
| Utica Square | Magnificent Mile | Premier shopping, dining |
| South Tulsa | Hyde Park | Diverse cultural scene, historic |
| Greenwood | Bronzeville | Rich history, cultural significance |
| Owasso | Edison Park | Family-friendly, close-knit community |
| Jenks | Andersonville | Quaint, diverse, local businesses |
If you relish the vibrant nightlife and indie shopping scenes of Brookside, you'll find a spirited similarity in Wicker Park, a place teeming with cafes, bars, and boutiques. For those who admire the historic homes and upscale environment of Maple Ridge, the elegance and luxury of Gold Coast with its renowned architectural gems like the historic Mansions of Astor Street will captivate you. Meanwhile, Tulsa's Riverside Drive, with its scenic walks and active outdoors lifestyle, finds its match in Lakeview, where Lake Michigan's shore offers a similar melding of city life and nature. Those moving from South Tulsa will appreciate Hyde Park for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere, boosted by the presence of cultural institutions such as the Museum of Science and Industry. Such detailed comparisons ensure you'll find not just a new place to live, but a new place to call home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tulsa to Chicago
Moving from one city to another can be an emotional rollercoaster, and knowing what to expect is crucial. This comparison aims to shine a light on the pros and cons of relocating from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL , highlighting the unique attributes each city offers. It's about giving you a clear picture, so your decision is as informed as it can be.
Tulsa, OK- Smaller job market
- Fewer cultural venues
- Less diverse cuisine
- Lower walkability
Chicago, IL- Larger job market
- More cultural venues
- More diverse cuisine
- Higher walkability
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Less space
- More traffic
- Faster pace of life
Tulsa, OK- Lower cost of living
- More space
- Less traffic
- Friendly communities
Moving from Tulsa to Chicago means exchanging the spacious, laid-back lifestyle for a bustling urban environment with a vast array of opportunities. In Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago and Magnificent Mile offer cultural and shopping experiences unmatched in Tulsa. Foodies will revel in Chicago's diverse cuisine, from deep-dish pizza at Pequod's Pizza to gourmet dining at Alinea. However, this comes with the price of a higher cost of living and potentially less living space. Community parks like Grant Park provide urban green spaces, but they're a different experience from the more expansive landscapes back in Tulsa. Embrace the change, and Chicago's vibrant lifestyle might just win you over.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in defining the local culture and living experience of an area. To help you get acquainted with your new home, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Tulsa & Chicago to give you a taste of what culinary delights await you in these cities.
| Tulsa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Barbecue | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Smoked Brisket | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Chicago-Style Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, the food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every palate. You'll find the city's iconic deep dish pizza at spots like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, located in various neighborhoods across the city. For a taste of true Chicago street food, the Chicago-style hot dog is a must-try, with establishments like Portillo's serving up this classic with all the traditional toppings. The health and vegan scene is also well represented in Chicago, with options like vegan deep dish pizza catering to those with dietary preferences. The foodie scene in Chicago is robust, punctuated by an array of food trucks and high-end restaurants like Alinea, showcasing the city's culinary innovation and diversity.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
As you prepare for your move from Tulsa to Chicago, finding your new go-to eateries is crucial for making the Windy City feel like home. With this restaurant comparison between Tulsa and Chicago, we aim to help you discover places where you can enjoy familiar tastes or perhaps explore new ones. Let these curated selections guide you to your next favorite dining spot.
| Tulsa | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Co Barbecue | Smoque BBQ | Authentic smoked meats mirroring Burn Co's dedication. |
| Juniper | Avec | Seasonal, farm-to-table dishes that emphasize flavor and innovation. |
| Elote Cafe & Catering | Carnitas Uruapan | Famous for pork dishes, offering a comparable vibrant Mexican palate. |
| White River Fish Market | The Angry Crab | Notable for seafood boils that reflect White River's fresh seafood offerings. |
| Tally's Good Food Café | Lou Mitchell's | An iconic diner experience, echoing Tally’s classic American comfort food. |
| Sisserou's Caribbean Restaurant | 5 Rabanitos | Providing a tasteful blend of Latin American cuisines, hinting at Caribbean flavors. |
| Andolini's Pizzeria | Pequod's Pizza | Both spots are famed for their unique take on traditional pizza. |
| Valkyrie | The Violet Hour | High-end cocktail bars with a focus on craftsmanship and ambiance. |
| Mother Road Market | Time Out Market | A food hall that offers a wide range of culinary experiences, similar to Mother Road Market’s diverse eateries. |
| Palace Café | Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! | Spanish cuisine with a flair for tapas, resembling Palace Café's European menu inspirations. |
Exploring Chicago’s dining scene through the lens of your Tulsa favorites can be an exciting journey. For instance, Smoque BBQ’s passion for authentic smoked meats provides a taste reminiscent of Burn Co Barbecue, allowing for a seamless transition in your BBQ expectations. At Avec, the commitment to farm-to-table goodness draws parallels with Juniper, offering you a blend of innovative and flavorful dishes. Meanwhile, Pequod's Pizza and Andolini's Pizzeria share a unique approach to crafting pizzas that stand out in their respective cities, perfect for those evenings when only a slice of exceptional pizza will do. This exploration not only satisfies your appetite but also intertwines familiar comforts with new discoveries, enriching your culinary experience as you settle into Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Tulsa vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape of your new city is crucial. Comparing Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL will help illustrate the differences and similarities in housing options, costs, and lifestyles. This can inform your decisions on where and how you'll live in your new home.
| Comparison | Tulsa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Art Deco, Ranch | Modern, Greystone |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Lake views, Proximity to public transit |
In more detail, the architecture in Tulsa often includes Art Deco and ranch-style homes, reflecting its historical growth periods, while Chicago boasts a wider variety of designs, including modern high-rises and classic Greystone buildings. This architectural diversity in Chicago contributes to its higher urban lifestyle score, offering residents vibrant city life with ample entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences. Additionally, Chicago's high walkability and bikeability scores reflect its dense, accessible urban environment, which contrasts with Tulsa's more car-dependent layout. Chicago's emphasis on lake views and proximity to public transit in real estate listings highlights the city's attractive waterfront areas and extensive transit network, features that significantly enrich urban living.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate and adjust to the differences in climate, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Tulsa, OK
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tulsa, OK
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tulsa, OK
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tulsa, OK
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tulsa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Hail | Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Tulsa to Chicago, you'll notice a significant change in winter temperatures and snowfall. Chicago experiences much colder winters with a higher volume of snow, averaging 36 inches annually compared to Tulsa's 6 inches. This difference requires readiness for more substantial winter gear and potentially adjusting to snowy commutes. Additionally, while Tulsa has more sunny days, Chicago's summers offer milder temperatures, possibly creating a more comfortable outdoor experience during the warmer months. Despite these variances, both cities share concerns over seasonal allergies and have similar average annual rainfall.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tulsa to Chicago
When planning a move from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL, it's crucial to grasp the financial shifts you'll encounter. This comparison aims to highlight the variations in cost of living, taxation, and overall economic conditions between Tulsa and Chicago, offering a foundational understanding of what to expect. Familiarize yourself with these changes to ensure a smoother transition to your new home.
| Comparison | Tulsa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $51,008 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 5.0 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.88 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.97 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Energy, Aerospace, Finance | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
The move from Tulsa to Chicago will introduce you to a more affluent but also a more expensive living environment. The average household income is slightly higher in Chicago, but this is counterbalanced by a significantly higher cost of living index, meaning your dollar might not stretch as far as it did in Tulsa. The state income tax rates are fairly comparable, though property taxes in Chicago are substantially higher, which could be a major consideration if you're planning to buy a home. Chicago's top industries offer a diverse array of employment opportunities, especially in finance and tech, providing a dynamic economic landscape. Understanding these financial and economic contrasts will be key in planning your move and setting realistic expectations for your new life in Chicago.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Tulsa, OK, to Chicago, IL, it’s essential to consider more than just the logistics; understanding the communities you're transitioning between can ease the process significantly. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Tulsa & Chicago to give you a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the two cities.
| Tulsa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Moderate, with a stable Republican influence in local government | Liberal, predominantly Democratic leadership |
| Religion | Christianity is predominant, with a strong presence of evangelical Protestant churches | Diverse, with a significant Catholic population alongside a variety of other faiths |
While Tulsa tends to lean conservative with a significant influence of evangelical Protestantism shaping its local culture, Chicago presents a more liberal stance politically, with a diverse religious landscape. This difference reflects in the cities' governance and public policies, affecting everything from business climates to social services. As you prepare for your move, consider how these fundamental differences might impact your daily life in Chicago compared to Tulsa. This understanding can help you navigate local discussions, community involvement, and even your weekend plans more smoothly.
Tulsa vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison between Tulsa & Chicago is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving. From the time you’ll spend in traffic to the availability of public transport, knowing what to expect can significantly ease your transition.
| Comparison | Tulsa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes |
In Tulsa, the average commute time is notably shorter, and you'll face considerably less traffic congestion compared to Chicago. However, Tulsa's public transport system is less developed, making it challenging to rely on it solely for your daily commute. Conversely, Chicago offers a robust public transit system, characterized by the CTA buses, the "L" train system, and Metra railways, making it entirely feasible to navigate the city without owning a car. This difference significantly impacts lifestyle choices and daily routines, especially for those used to driving everywhere in Tulsa.
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