$100k salary, packing up from San Jose
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
less monthly outlay than San Jose
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
56% cheaper than San Jose(vs $3,470/mo)
0%
$775/mo less in state tax than San Jose
vs 9.3% in San Jose
$6,809/mo
$2,721 more than San Jose
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
82% cheaper than San Jose
vs $1796k in San Jose
580k
vs 1.9M in San Jose
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
San Jose edges ahead with 283 pleasant days.
Noticeably quieter than San Jose. About 63% fewer events on a typical month.
69/100
1% lower than San Jose
vs 70/100 in San Jose
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
14% lower than San Jose
vs 95/100 in San Jose
8
72% fewer than San Jose
vs 29 nonstops in San Jose
if chattanooga appeals, also worth a look:
