($1,501) Movers From Oakland, CA to Chattanooga, TN

What to know before moving from Oakland to Chattanooga

Moving from Oakland to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Oakland, 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 33% lower than in Oakland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chattanooga.
  Home prices in Chattanooga are 58.9% lower than in Oakland.
• Income in Chattanooga is 36.3% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less 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 4.9% higher than in Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 49.3% lower than in Oakland.
• The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 24.44% higher than in Oakland.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the city’s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 9.76% lower than in Oakland.
• One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,146.85 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Chattanooga

• Chattanooga's population is about 59% less than Oakland.
• Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
• Chattanooga is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 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 Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100.
• Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 53.89 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 46.11 vs Oakland's 31.38.
• Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chattanooga. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chattanooga

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Scenic City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chattanooga.

Helpful moving resources