Factors influencing moving costs from Dallas to Chattanoogatoggle

The cost of Dallas 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 Dallas to Chattanooga can be as low as $1,440 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,405.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dallas, 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 $655 to $1,629. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dallas to Chattanooga

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

Dallas Chattanooga
Average rent cost $1,774 $1,475
Average home value $303,900 $302,565
Average income (per capita) $68,291 $60,164
Cost of living (single person) $2,828 $3,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $4,350
Unemployment rate 3.6% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.25% 9.25%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Chattanooga are 17% lower than in Dallas, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • Home prices are the same in Chattanooga and Dallas.
  • Income in Chattanooga is 11.9% lower than in Dallas, 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 16.7% higher than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 44.2% lower than in Dallas.
  • The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 55.56% higher than in Dallas.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chattanooga are 12.12% higher than in Dallas.
  • State income taxes are the same in Chattanooga and Dallas.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,500.71 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.

How life is different in Dallas vs. Chattanooga

Chattanooga Dallas
Population 181,099 1,304,379
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 29 46
Bike friendliness score 35 49
Crime Index 53.89 51.4
Safety Index 46.11 48.6
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chattanooga's population is about 86% less than Dallas.
  • Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Dallas's higher score of 6.
  • Chattanooga is less walkable than Dallas with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Dallas's 46 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 Dallas, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
  • Chattanooga and Dallas have a similar crime rate.
  • Chattanooga and Dallas are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Dallas it's good.

Other things to consider for your Dallas 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: 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Tennessee 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 Chattanooga 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. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chattanooga

With your sights set on "Scenic City", these are some of the most popular 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

After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chattanooga has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Dallas to Chattanooga?

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

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

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

The 785-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Chattanooga, TN, takes two to seven days. Some Dallas 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