($1,480) Movers From Ann Arbor, MI to Chattanooga, TN

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Chattanooga

Moving from Ann Arbor to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, 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 35% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 36.3% lower than in Ann Arbor.
• Income in Chattanooga is 10.2% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 51.7% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 18.6% lower than in Ann Arbor.
• The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 60.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the city’s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 54.17% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,549.63 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Chattanooga

• Chattanooga's population is about 46% greater than Ann Arbor.
• Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
• Chattanooga is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Chattanooga's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 53.89 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
• Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 46.11 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
• Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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