Moving from St. Louis, MO to Chattanooga, TN
Relocating between St. Louis, MO and Chattanooga, TN is a 445 mi drive β 8h 16m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
445 mi Β· 8h 16m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 64, IL 3 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
St. Louis and Chattanooga sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 55.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 58.0Β°F vs 61.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 3.6 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% higher in Chattanooga than St. Louis.
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 Missouri 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 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.
- 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
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 445 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 10.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 3.8% lower than St. Louis (91.464 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 445 mi and the route typically takes 8h 16m via I 24 and I 64. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Chattanooga, TN.