Factors influencing moving costs from Chattanooga to Clevelandtoggle

The cost of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Cleveland can be as low as $1,408 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,358.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, 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 $586 to $1,343. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Cleveland

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

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

Chattanooga Cleveland
Average rent cost $1,475 $1,295
Average home value $302,565 $108,509
Average income (per capita) $60,164 $64,965
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $2,490
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $6,729
Unemployment rate 5.6% 6.8%
Sales tax 9.25% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cleveland are 12% lower than in Chattanooga, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Cleveland.
    Home prices in Cleveland are 64.1% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Income in Cleveland is 8.0% higher than in Chattanooga, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Cleveland include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and United States Federal Government.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Cleveland is 24.5% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Cleveland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Cleveland is 54.7% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Cleveland is 21.43% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Cleveland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cleveland are 13.51% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes in Cleveland are 3.50% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,263.64 in Cleveland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Cleveland

Cleveland Chattanooga
Population 372,624 181,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 57 29
Bike friendliness score 52 35
Crime Index 63.41 53.89
Safety Index 36.59 46.11
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Cleveland's population is about 106% greater than Chattanooga.
  • Cleveland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's lower score of 3.
  • Cleveland is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 52 out of 100, Cleveland is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Cleveland's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 63.41 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
  • Cleveland is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 36.59 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
  • Air quality in Cleveland is moderate, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chattanooga vs. Cleveland move

  • Weather: Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Ohio doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Cleveland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Cleveland

With your sights set on "America's North Coast", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Cleveland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Tremont
  • Ohio City
  • Detroit-Shoreway
  • Clark-Fulton
  • Waterloo

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Edgewater
  • Jefferson
  • Kammโ€™s Corner
  • Ohio City
  • Old Brooklyn

Things to do in Cleveland

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cleveland has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Cleveland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the A Christmas Story House, African American Museum, ARTneo, Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, and Baseball Heritage Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Edgewater Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rocky River Reservation 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 Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Charge NBA G-League), or Cleveland Crunch (MASL2) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Cleveland?

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

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

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

The 608-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Cleveland, OH, takes one to six days. Some Chattanooga movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cleveland.

Helpful moving resources