77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
73
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
Chattanooga wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chattanooga wins 3–0 overall (77/100)
💰 Knoxville is more affordable
💼 Knoxville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Knoxville has fewer disasters
📋 Chattanooga vs Knoxville — The Verdict
Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 compared to Knoxville's 73.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Knoxville has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. Knoxville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Knoxville are 20% lower — a difference of $46,300 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chattanooga earn $9,394 more per year (19% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$230,500
$184,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,066
$1,043
Median Income
$57,703
$48,309
Knoxville edges out Chattanooga on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $46,300. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
23 Good
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
13
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville: Common Questions
Is Chattanooga or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Knoxville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $46,300 lower in Knoxville. Monthly rent is $1,043 in Knoxville vs $1,066 in Chattanooga.
Does Chattanooga or Knoxville have better weather?
Knoxville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chattanooga or Knoxville better for finding a job?
Knoxville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Chattanooga vs 3.6% in Knoxville. Median household income is $57,703 in Chattanooga and $48,309 in Knoxville.
Which city is safer — Chattanooga or Knoxville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Knoxville is safer. Chattanooga has had 13 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Knoxville. Chattanooga scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Knoxville.
Should I move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Based on our data, Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 vs Knoxville's 73.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Knoxville is more affordable, while Knoxville has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.