63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Chattanooga wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chattanooga wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Chattanooga is more affordable
💼 Chattanooga has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Chattanooga — The Verdict
Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chattanooga has a clear edge with home prices 24% lower. Chattanooga may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chattanooga are 24% lower — a difference of $74,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chattanooga saves you $248/month — that's $2,976 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $13,970 more per year (24% higher median income).
📊
Chattanooga has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Chattanooga has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$230,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,066
Median Income
$71,673
$57,703
The affordability gap is significant — Chattanooga offers home prices 24% lower than Chicago, translating to $74,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Chattanooga having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Chattanooga wins on air quality with an AQI 37 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)
10
13
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Chattanooga: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Chattanooga is more affordable overall. Home prices are $74,000 lower in Chattanooga. Monthly rent is $1,066 in Chattanooga vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Chattanooga have better weather?
Chattanooga scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Chattanooga better for finding a job?
Chattanooga currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Chattanooga. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $57,703 in Chattanooga.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Chattanooga?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 13 in Chattanooga. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Chattanooga.
Should I move from Chicago to Chattanooga?
Based on our data, Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chattanooga is more affordable, while Chattanooga 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.