with $100k coming in, swapping out of Birmingham
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
below Birmingham's monthly cost
You'd feel the difference in Chattanooga. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Birmingham.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
8% more expensive than Birmingham(vs $1,407/mo)
0%
$417/mo less in state tax than Birmingham
vs 5% in Birmingham
$6,809/mo
$299 more than Birmingham
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
24% more expensive than Birmingham
vs $261k in Birmingham
580k
vs 1.2M in Birmingham
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Birmingham actually gets more: 171 pleasant days a year.
Birmingham hosts 3.9× more events.
69/100
13% higher than Birmingham
vs 61/100 in Birmingham
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
4% higher than Birmingham
vs 79/100 in Birmingham
8
60% fewer than Birmingham
vs 20 nonstops in Birmingham
if chattanooga appeals, also worth a look:
