Factors influencing moving costs from San Bernardino to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from San Bernardino to Chattanooga
Moving from San Bernardino to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than San Bernardino, 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:
San Bernardino | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $481,419 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $55,372 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,054 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,469 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 24% lower than in San Bernardino, 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 Chattanooga.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 37.2% lower than in San Bernardino. - Income in Chattanooga is 8.7% higher than in San Bernardino, 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 60.7% higher than in San Bernardino. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 2.7% lower than in San Bernardino.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 47.17% lower than in San Bernardino.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chattanooga are 5.71% higher than in San Bernardino.
- One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Bernardino.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,819.86 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Bernardino.
How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | San Bernardino | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 222,101 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 7 |
Walkability score | 29 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 44 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 73.87 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 26.13 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chattanooga's population is about 18% less than San Bernardino.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus San Bernardino's higher score of 7.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than San Bernardino with a score of 29 out of 100 vs San Bernardino's 45 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 San Bernardino, which has a score of 44 out of 100.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than San Bernardino with a score of 53.89 compared to San Bernardino's 73.87. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Bernardino neighborhoods are safer than 73.87%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than San Bernardino with a safety index of 46.11 vs San Bernardino's 26.13.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in San Bernardino it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Bernardino 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 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. 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.
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
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, itโs the perfect time to explore Chattanooga. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chattanooga, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 San Bernardino to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from San Bernardino to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Bernardino.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Bernardino to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino to Chattanooga take?
The 2,088-mile move from San Bernardino, CA, to Chattanooga, TN, takes six to 17 days. Some San Bernardino movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.