($1,330) Movers From Charleston, WV to Chattanooga, TN

What to know before moving from Charleston to Chattanooga

Moving from Charleston to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Charleston, it’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:

• Rent prices in Chattanooga are 69% higher than in Charleston, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
  Home prices in Chattanooga are 96.9% higher than in Charleston.
• Income in Chattanooga is 1.4% higher than in Charleston, 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 113.0% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Chattanooga, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 12.6% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 9.68% lower than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the city’s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 32.14% higher than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,391.22 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Chattanooga

• Chattanooga's population is about 277% greater than Charleston.
• Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
• Chattanooga is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 35 out of 100, Chattanooga is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chattanooga and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
• Chattanooga and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chattanooga

With your sights set on "Scenic City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.

Helpful moving resources