on $100k a year, leaving Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Chattanooga gives you room Wilmington doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
9% cheaper than Wilmington(vs $1,675/mo)
0%
$375/mo less in state tax than Wilmington
vs 4.5% in Wilmington
$6,809/mo
$526 more than Wilmington
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
28% cheaper than Wilmington
vs $448k in Wilmington
580k
vs 467k in Wilmington
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Wilmington has the edge here, logging 235 pleasant days a year.
A similar weekend lineup to Wilmington.
69/100
28% higher than Wilmington
vs 54/100 in Wilmington
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
22% higher than Wilmington
vs 67/100 in Wilmington
8
60% more than Wilmington
vs 5 nonstops in Wilmington
in the same ballpark as chattanooga:
