Factors influencing moving costs from Dayton to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from Dayton to Chattanooga
Moving from Dayton to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than Dayton, 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:
Dayton | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $925 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $135,815 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 60% higher than in Dayton, 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 Dayton.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 122.8% higher than in Dayton. - Income in Chattanooga is 4.0% lower than in Dayton, 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 107.2% higher than in Dayton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chattanooga, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 14.8% higher than in Dayton.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 17.65% lower than in Dayton.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chattanooga are 23.33% higher than in Dayton.
- One perk of moving to Chattanooga is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Dayton.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,214.69 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | Dayton | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 137,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 29 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 47 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 4.0 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 40.68 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chattanooga's population is about 32% greater than Dayton.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Dayton's higher score of 6.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 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 Dayton, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 53.89 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 46.11 vs Dayton's 40.68.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toChattanooga Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Now that youโve chosen "Scenic City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga to check out.
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 settling into your new Tennessee home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chattanooga has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts 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 cityโs Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Dayton to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from Dayton to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from Dayton 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 Dayton to Chattanooga take?
The 411-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to four days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.