Factors that influence moving costs from Chattanooga to Houstontoggle

The cost of Chattanooga movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chattanooga to Houston might cost as little as $1,411, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,493.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chattanooga, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $690 to $1,634. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Houston

Moving from Chattanooga to Houston 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 Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Chattanooga Houston
Average rent cost $1,475 $1,549
Average home value $302,565 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $60,164 $69,833
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $7,157
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.1%
Sales tax 9.25% 8.25%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Houston are 5% higher than in Chattanooga, 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 Houston.
    Home prices in Houston are 12.8% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Income in Houston is 16.1% higher than in Chattanooga, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 16.1% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 64.5% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Houston is 26.79% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Houston are 10.81% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes are the same in Houston and Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,518.18 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Houston

Houston Chattanooga
Population 2,301,572 181,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 47 29
Bike friendliness score 49 35
Crime Index 63.5 53.89
Safety Index 36.5 46.11
Air Quality Good Good
  • Houston's population is about 1,171% greater than Chattanooga.
  • Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's lower score of 3.
  • Houston is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston 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.
  • Houston's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 63.5 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 36.5 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
  • Air quality in Houston is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chattanooga vs. Houston move

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Texas 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 Houston 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. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Houston

With your sights set on "HOU", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

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

  • Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโ€™s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chattanooga to Houston. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chattanooga.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chattanooga to Houston take?

The 813-mile journey from Chattanooga, TN to Houston, TX typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Chattanooga offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.

Helpful moving resources