$100k salary, packing up from Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids's monthly cost
The gap is real. Chattanooga costs noticeably less than Grand Rapids, every month.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
6% cheaper than Grand Rapids(vs $1,620/mo)
0%
$354/mo less in state tax than Grand Rapids
vs 4.25% in Grand Rapids
$6,809/mo
$450 more than Grand Rapids
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
9% cheaper than Grand Rapids
vs $353k in Grand Rapids
580k
vs 1.2M in Grand Rapids
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Grand Rapids only logs 151 pleasant days.
Grand Rapids hosts 3.0× more events.
69/100
23% higher than Grand Rapids
vs 56/100 in Grand Rapids
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
15% lower than Grand Rapids
vs 97/100 in Grand Rapids
8
60% fewer than Grand Rapids
vs 20 nonstops in Grand Rapids
same energy as chattanooga, different zip code:
