($1,408) Movers From Washington DC, MD to Chattanooga, TN

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga

Moving from Washington DC to Chattanooga means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Chattanooga, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to Chattanooga so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Chattanooga are 39% lower than in Washington DC, 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 49.1% lower than in Washington DC.
• Income in Chattanooga is 40.9% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chattanooga include Hamilton County, Schools Erlanger, and Health System.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 16.7% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 60.8% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the city’s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 54.17% higher than in Washington DC.
• One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,498.11 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Chattanooga

• Chattanooga's population is about 74% less than Washington DC.
• Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
• Chattanooga is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
• Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 53.89 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
• Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 46.11 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
• Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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 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.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\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll 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.

Helpful moving resources