on $100k a year, leaving Durham
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 Durham's monthly cost
The gap is real. Chattanooga costs noticeably less than Durham, every month.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
10% cheaper than Durham(vs $1,684/mo)
0%
$375/mo less in state tax than Durham
vs 4.5% in Durham
$6,809/mo
$535 more than Durham
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
22% cheaper than Durham
vs $415k in Durham
580k
vs 609k in Durham
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Durham gets 178 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine.
Noticeably quieter than Durham. About 34% fewer events on a typical month.
69/100
38% higher than Durham
vs 50/100 in Durham
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
3% higher than Durham
vs 80/100 in Durham
8
79% fewer than Durham
vs 39 nonstops in Durham
same energy as chattanooga, different zip code:
