Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Chattanooga
Moving from Baltimore to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Baltimore, itโs 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:
Baltimore | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 8% lower than in Baltimore, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 67.4% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Chattanooga is 3.1% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chattanooga include Hamilton County, Schools Erlanger, and Health System.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chattanooga, since the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 48.4% higher than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 14.5% lower than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 29.11% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chattanooga are 54.17% higher than in Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,453.44 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
Walkability score | 29 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 53 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga's population is about 69% less than Baltimore.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 53.89 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 46.11 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Chattanooga move
- Weather: May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Ready to relocate to "Scenic City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chattanooga has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, Hunter Museum of American Art, and International Towing and Recovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League) and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from Baltimore to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Baltimore to Chattanooga in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Baltimore to Chattanooga take?
The 635-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to six days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.