Factors influencing moving costs from Louisville to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from Louisville to Chattanooga
Moving from Louisville to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Louisville, 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:
Louisville | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $242,612 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,771 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,862 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,532 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 18% higher than in Louisville, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Louisville.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 24.7% higher than in Louisville. - Income in Chattanooga is 13.8% lower than in Louisville, 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 77.2% higher than in Louisville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 4.0% lower than in Louisville.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 12.00% higher than in Louisville.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chattanooga are 54.17% higher than in Louisville.
- One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Louisville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,316.86 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Louisville.
How life is different in Louisville vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 782,969 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 29 | 91 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 79 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 56.68 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 43.32 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga's population is about 77% less than Louisville.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Louisville's higher score of 6.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 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 Louisville, which has a score of 79 out of 100.
- Chattanooga and Louisville have a similar crime rate.
- Chattanooga and Louisville are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Louisville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Louisville 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Tennessee, itโs time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League) and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Louisville to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from Louisville to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Louisville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Louisville 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 Louisville to Chattanooga take?
The 304-mile move from Louisville, KY, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to four days. Some Louisville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.