77
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
76
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Chattanooga wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chattanooga wins 2–1 overall (77/100)
💰 Memphis is more affordable
💼 Memphis has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chattanooga has fewer disasters
📋 Chattanooga vs Memphis — The Verdict
Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 compared to Memphis's 76.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Memphis has a clear edge with home prices 39% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chattanooga has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Memphis may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Memphis are 39% lower — a difference of $90,900 in median home value.
💵
Households in Chattanooga earn $9,613 more per year (20% higher median income).
🌬️
Memphis has cleaner air with an AQI 17 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chattanooga has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$230,500
$139,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,066
$1,050
Median Income
$57,703
$48,090
The affordability gap is significant — Memphis offers home prices 39% lower than Chattanooga, translating to $90,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Memphis wins on air quality with an AQI 17 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
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
19
Chattanooga has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis: Common Questions
Is Chattanooga or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is more affordable overall. Home prices are $90,900 lower in Memphis. Monthly rent is $1,050 in Memphis vs $1,066 in Chattanooga.
Does Chattanooga or Memphis have better weather?
Memphis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chattanooga or Memphis better for finding a job?
Memphis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Chattanooga vs 3.6% in Memphis. Median household income is $57,703 in Chattanooga and $48,090 in Memphis.
Which city is safer — Chattanooga or Memphis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chattanooga is safer. Chattanooga has had 13 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Memphis. Chattanooga scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Memphis.
Should I move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Based on our data, Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 vs Memphis's 76.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Memphis is more affordable, while Memphis 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.