71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Chattanooga wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chattanooga wins 0–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Chattanooga is more affordable
💼 Chattanooga has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chattanooga has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Chattanooga — The Verdict
Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Chattanooga has a notably lower disaster history with 8 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Chattanooga saves you $169/month — that's $2,028 per year.
📊
Chattanooga has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 11 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chattanooga has experienced 8 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$230,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,066
Median Income
$60,440
$57,703
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 2% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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)
12
23 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)
21
13
Chattanooga has a markedly lower disaster history — 8 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Chattanooga: Common Questions
Is Houston or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Chattanooga is more affordable overall. Home prices are $4,500 lower in Chattanooga. Monthly rent is $1,066 in Chattanooga vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Chattanooga have better weather?
Chattanooga scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Chattanooga better for finding a job?
Chattanooga currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Chattanooga. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $57,703 in Chattanooga.
Which city is safer — Houston or Chattanooga?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chattanooga is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 13 in Chattanooga. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Chattanooga.
Should I move from Houston to Chattanooga?
Based on our data, Chattanooga scores 77.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 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.