with $100k coming in, swapping out of Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia's monthly cost
Chattanooga is the kind of cheap that changes the math. Same salary, a different life on the other side.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
18% cheaper than Philadelphia(vs $1,869/mo)
0%
$568/mo less in state tax than Philadelphia
vs 6.82% in Philadelphia
$6,809/mo
$913 more than Philadelphia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
18% cheaper than Philadelphia
vs $393k in Philadelphia
580k
vs 6.2M in Philadelphia
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Philadelphia edges ahead with 173 pleasant days.
But the calendar thins out: Philadelphia stays 8.0× busier.
69/100
0% lower than Philadelphia
vs 69/100 in Philadelphia
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
18% lower than Philadelphia
vs 100/100 in Philadelphia
8
93% fewer than Philadelphia
vs 122 nonstops in Philadelphia
neighbors of chattanooga on the map of tradeoffs:
