Factors influencing moving costs from El Paso to Chattanooga
What to know before moving from El Paso to Chattanooga
Moving from El Paso to Chattanooga comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chattanooga is generally more expensive than El Paso, 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:
El Paso | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,510 | $1,475 |
Average home value | $223,218 | $302,565 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,354 | $60,164 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,833 | $3,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,360 | $4,350 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Chattanooga are 2% lower than in El Paso, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
Home prices in Chattanooga are 35.5% higher than in El Paso. - Income in Chattanooga is 3.1% higher than in El Paso, 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 80.0% higher than in El Paso. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Chattanooga and El Paso.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 19.15% higher than in El Paso.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chattanooga, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chattanooga are 27.59% higher than in El Paso.
- State income taxes are the same in Chattanooga and El Paso.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,400.98 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.
How life is different in El Paso vs. Chattanooga
Chattanooga | El Paso | |
---|---|---|
Population | 181,099 | 678,815 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
Walkability score | 29 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 42 |
Crime Index | 53.89 | 32.51 |
Safety Index | 46.11 | 67.49 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chattanooga's population is about 73% less than El Paso.
- Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus El Paso's higher score of 4.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than El Paso with a score of 29 out of 100 vs El Paso's 40 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 El Paso, which has a score of 42 out of 100.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is higher than El Paso with a score of 53.89 compared to El Paso's 32.51. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and El Paso neighborhoods are safer than 32.51%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than El Paso with a score of 46.11 vs El Paso's 67.49.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in El Paso it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your El Paso 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Tennessee doesnโt 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, 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 El Paso to Chattanooga?
The best time to move from El Paso to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in El Paso.
When is the cheapest time to move from El Paso to Chattanooga?
Because most people are moving from El Paso 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 El Paso to Chattanooga take?
The 1,418-mile move from El Paso, TX, to Chattanooga, TN, takes three to eight days. Some El Paso movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.