Moving from Memphis, TN to Chattanooga, TN
The 336 mi from Memphis to Chattanooga translate to about 6h 18m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
336 mi · 6h 18m by car · TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 24, I 840 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and Chattanooga (91.464) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Chattanooga: 0.8% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 55.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Chattanooga gets around 3.6 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 0.8%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $61,028 in Chattanooga.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chattanooga average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Chattanooga?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Chattanooga vs 63.4°F in Memphis (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 55.0 in vs 54.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 120.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 0.8% lower than Memphis (91.464 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 6h 18m via I 40 and I 24. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 19.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Chattanooga, TN.