Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Chattanooga, TN is a 2243 mi cross-country relocation β about 39h 41m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2243 mi Β· 39h 41m by car Β· TN β GA β KY β IL β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β KY β IL β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Chattanooga is 8.9% cheaper than Spokane Valley overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chattanooga is 8.9% below Spokane Valley β $408,888 vs $319,579 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 55.0" |
Chattanooga runs 12.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.8Β°F vs 61.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Chattanooga is 8.9% below Spokane Valley ($70,722 β $61,028, ACS 2023).
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.
Moving between Washington and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 91Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2243 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 21.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 8.9% lower than Spokane Valley (91.464 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 2243 mi and the route typically takes 39h 41m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 13.7% lower 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 Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Chattanooga, TN.