$100k salary, packing up from Albuquerque
changea dispatch from
chattanooga
TN
35.05°N
85.31°W
Chattanooga became the first city in the country to roll out gigabit fiber internet to every home (2010, via the municipal utility), which jump-started a tech and remote-work scene. Lookout Mountain rises right above town, with Ruby Falls' underground waterfall and Rock City's epic views. The Tennessee Riverwalk is gorgeous. The Choo Choo (old terminal turned hotel) is a fun stay.
the verdict
less monthly outlay than Albuquerque
The gap is real. Chattanooga costs noticeably less than Albuquerque, every month.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
2% more expensive than Albuquerque(vs $1,489/mo)
0%
$492/mo less in state tax than Albuquerque
vs 5.9% in Albuquerque
$6,809/mo
$456 more than Albuquerque
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
8% cheaper than Albuquerque
vs $351k in Albuquerque
580k
vs 924k in Albuquerque
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Albuquerque actually gets more: 205 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Albuquerque stays 1.8× busier.
69/100
15% lower than Albuquerque
vs 81/100 in Albuquerque
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
13% lower than Albuquerque
vs 94/100 in Albuquerque
8
65% fewer than Albuquerque
vs 23 nonstops in Albuquerque
cities that play in chattanooga's register:
