with $100k coming in, swapping out of Chicago
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 Chicago's monthly cost
Chattanooga sits well below Chicago on cost. Same paycheck, a noticeably lighter month.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
30% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
0%
$412/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,809/mo
$1,058 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
12% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
580k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Chicago keeps to 153 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Chicago stays 56.3× busier.
69/100
1% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
18% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
8
96% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
same energy as chattanooga, different zip code:
