Uprootmap
Johnson City vs Chattanooga
Johnson City and Chattanooga
Photo: Imilious / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Chattanooga are above the US rate in this release, 7.7 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Johnson City to Chattanooga
In 2022-2023, 44 households filed a move from Johnson City to Chattanooga (about 52 people, average adjusted gross income $53,523). 33 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $969 in Johnson City and $1,137 in Chattanooga. Johnson City has no state tax on wages. Chattanooga has no state tax on wages. Local pay in Chattanooga is 89% of the national level for the same work, against 83% in Johnson City.
Chattanooga averages 208 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Johnson City is 207 sunny days, 83°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 24 minutes in Chattanooga and 23 in Johnson City.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 44 households moved Johnson City → Chattanooga (about 52 people, average AGI $53,523). 33 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Johnson City and Chattanooga changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 228 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,750–$3,350
- Container or pod
- $1,200–$2,250
- Rent a truck
- $500–$900
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Dig into Chattanooga
Questions
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Johnson City after tax and rent?
No. Chattanooga leaves about $162 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $969 in Johnson City and $1,137 in Chattanooga.
Does Chattanooga have state income tax?
Chattanooga is in Tennessee, which has no state income tax.
Did people actually move from Johnson City to Chattanooga?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.