01 · the cities
Chattanooga
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.
full dispatch→Lexington
Lexington is the Thoroughbred horse capital of the world, with bluegrass-fed horse farms surrounding the city in white-fenced perfection. Keeneland racetrack is one of the most beautiful in the world. The bourbon trail starts right here. Downtown is small but tightening up nicely with food and bars. The University of Kentucky's blue bleeds through everything.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,524/mo
$1,488/mo
Median home price
Median home price
$322k
$324k
State income tax
State income tax
0%
4.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,809/mo
$6,470/mo
Chattanooga has $339/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
167 days
171 days
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
16 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
5 days
19 days
days below 20°F per year
Chattanooga has 15 more days above 95°F each year than Lexington. Lexington drops below 20°F on 14 more days per year than Chattanooga.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
69 / 100
60 / 100
9.0 pts behind Chattanooga
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
8 routes
13 routes
5 more direct routes than Chattanooga
Metro size
Metro size
580k metro
520k metro
Chattanooga has 1.8x fewer events per month than Lexington.
the verdict
4
Chattanooga
categories won
2
Lexington
categories won
Chattanooga leads on money and wins overall.
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