on $100k a year, leaving Sacramento
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
lighter monthly cost than Sacramento
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
32% cheaper than Sacramento(vs $2,226/mo)
0%
$775/mo less in state tax than Sacramento
vs 9.3% in Sacramento
$6,809/mo
$1,477 more than Sacramento
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
45% cheaper than Sacramento
vs $589k in Sacramento
580k
vs 2.4M in Sacramento
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Sacramento has the edge here, logging 211 pleasant days a year.
Sacramento hosts 3.7× more events.
69/100
8% lower than Sacramento
vs 75/100 in Sacramento
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
16% lower than Sacramento
vs 98/100 in Sacramento
8
71% fewer than Sacramento
vs 28 nonstops in Sacramento
same energy as chattanooga, different zip code:
