with $100k coming in, swapping out of Raleigh
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 Raleigh's monthly cost
You'd feel the difference in Chattanooga. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Raleigh.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
8% cheaper than Raleigh(vs $1,663/mo)
0%
$375/mo less in state tax than Raleigh
vs 4.5% in Raleigh
$6,809/mo
$514 more than Raleigh
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
27% cheaper than Raleigh
vs $440k in Raleigh
580k
vs 1.5M in Raleigh
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Raleigh actually gets more: 201 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Raleigh stays 2.0× busier.
69/100
19% higher than Raleigh
vs 58/100 in Raleigh
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
15% lower than Raleigh
vs 97/100 in Raleigh
8
79% fewer than Raleigh
vs 39 nonstops in Raleigh
neighbors of chattanooga on the map of tradeoffs:
