Factors influencing moving costs from Tallahassee to Chattanoogatoggle

The cost of Tallahassee movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tallahassee to Chattanooga can be as low as $1,143 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,052.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tallahassee, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $415 to $1,046. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tallahassee to Chattanooga

Moving from Tallahassee to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Tallahassee, itโ€™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:

Tallahassee Chattanooga
Average rent cost $1,410 $1,475
Average home value $283,504 $302,565
Average income (per capita) $49,077 $60,164
Cost of living (single person) $2,019 $3,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,631 $4,350
Unemployment rate 5.1% 5.6%
Sales tax 7.5% 9.25%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Chattanooga are 5% higher than in Tallahassee, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tallahassee.
    Home prices in Chattanooga are 6.7% higher than in Tallahassee.
  • Income in Chattanooga is 22.6% higher than in Tallahassee, 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 63.4% higher than in Tallahassee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 6.1% lower than in Tallahassee.
  • The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 9.80% higher than in Tallahassee.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 23.33% higher than in Tallahassee.
  • State income taxes are the same in Chattanooga and Tallahassee.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,903.42 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tallahassee.

How life is different in Tallahassee vs. Chattanooga

Chattanooga Tallahassee
Population 181,099 201,731
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 29 30
Bike friendliness score 35 45
Crime Index 53.89 58.35
Safety Index 46.11 41.65
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chattanooga's population is about 10% less than Tallahassee.
  • Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Tallahassee's higher score of 5.
  • Chattanooga and Tallahassee are similarily walkable.
  • Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tallahassee, which has a score of 45 out of 100.
  • Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Tallahassee with a score of 53.89 compared to Tallahassee's 58.35. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35%.
  • Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Tallahassee with a safety index of 46.11 vs Tallahassee's 41.65.
  • Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Tallahassee it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tallahassee 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 youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™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.

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 getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, itโ€™s time to see what Chattanooga is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art 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 cityโ€™s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Tallahassee to Chattanooga?

The best time to move from Tallahassee to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tallahassee.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tallahassee to Chattanooga?

Because most people are moving from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Chattanooga take?

The 385-mile move from Tallahassee, FL, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to four days. Some Tallahassee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.

Helpful moving resources