Factors influencing moving costs from Jackson to Chattanoogatoggle

The cost of Jackson 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 Jackson to Chattanooga can be as low as $1,257 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,567.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Jackson, 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 $436 to $1,056. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Jackson to Chattanooga

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

Jackson Chattanooga
Average rent cost $1,170 $1,475
Average home value $68,872 $302,565
Average income (per capita) $57,848 $60,164
Cost of living (single person) $1,969 $3,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,990 $4,350
Unemployment rate 7.7% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 9.25%
State income tax 4.7% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Chattanooga are 26% higher than in Jackson, 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 Jackson.
    Home prices in Chattanooga are 339.3% higher than in Jackson.
  • Income in Chattanooga is 4.0% higher than in Jackson, 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 67.6% higher than in Jackson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 12.8% lower than in Jackson.
  • The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 27.27% lower than in Jackson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 15.63% higher than in Jackson.
  • One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Jackson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,027.93 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jackson.

How life is different in Jackson vs. Chattanooga

Chattanooga Jackson
Population 181,099 153,701
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 2
Walkability score 29 26
Bike friendliness score 35 33
Crime Index 53.89 82.38
Safety Index 46.11 17.62
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chattanooga's population is about 18% greater than Jackson.
  • Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Jackson's lower score of 2.
  • Chattanooga and Jackson are similarily walkable.
  • Both Chattanooga and Jackson have the same bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, meaning Chattanooga is about as safe for cyclists as Jackson. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Jackson with a score of 53.89 compared to Jackson's 82.38. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jackson neighborhoods are safer than 82.38%.
  • Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Jackson with a safety index of 46.11 vs Jackson's 17.62.
  • Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Jackson it's good.

Other things to consider for your Jackson 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 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.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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™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.

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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in Tennessee, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Jackson to Chattanooga?

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

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

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

The 383-mile move from Jackson, MS, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to four days. Some Jackson 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