Best Chicago to Chattanooga Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Chattanooga and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 602 mile move from Illinois to Tennessee go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 41 Chicago to Chattanooga moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Chattanooga. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Chicago to Chattanooga Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
3A1 Movers, Inc9.349.57Authorized For HHG
4Boundless Moving & Storage9.349.36Authorized For Property, HHG
5Smooth Moving & Storage8.978.63Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Chicago to Chattanooga?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 602 miles from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN will cost on average $2,293 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Chattanooga move is roughly $5,495. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,544300 ft³$5.15
1 Bedroom$2,293450 ft³$5.10
2 Bedrooms$3,784750 ft³$5.05
3 Bedrooms$5,4951100 ft³$5.00
4 Bedrooms$7,9131600 ft³$4.95
5+ Bedrooms$8,8131800 ft³$4.90
*Please note: These Illinois to Tennessee moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Tennessee. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to TN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chattanooga to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Chattanooga Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 683+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,230+ data points

5595 N. Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN, 37312

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Smooth Moving & Storage Logo

Smooth Moving & Storage

Superb8.97/10
based on 317+ data points

3620 Trousdale Dr

Nashville, TN, 37204

About Smooth Moving & Storage

Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2472874 / 1244900

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Neighborhood Comparison

Planning a move can be daunting, especially when diving into a new city's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we're here to offer a unique guide comparing Chicago, IL & Chattanooga, TN neighborhoods . This comparison aims to help you find areas in Chattanooga that resonate with your lifestyle and preferences in Chicago, providing a smoother relocation experience.

ChicagoChattanoogaHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkNorth ShoreVibrant arts scene, family-friendly
Wicker ParkSouthsideTrendy eateries, vibrant nightlife
The LoopDowntown ChattanoogaBusiness hub, cultural attractions
Gold CoastRiverviewUpscale living, exclusive boutiques
Hyde ParkSt. ElmoHistoric charm, diverse community
AndersonvilleBluff View Art DistrictCultural enclave, artisanal offerings
River NorthWarehouse RowFashionable shops, urban loft living
Logan SquareHighland ParkArtsy, with historic homes
LakeviewSignal MountainFamily-oriented, outdoor activities
PilsenEast BrainerdDiverse cultural experiences, dining options

In Chicago, the vibrancy and culture of Lincoln Park find a match in Chattanooga's North Shore, known for its scenic views and rich arts scene, including spots like The Hunter Museum of American Art. If nightlife and trendy dining are what draw you to Wicker Park, you'll find a similar spirit in Chattanooga's Southside, boasting popular eateries like Alleia. For those attracted to the urban allure and convenience of The Loop, Downtown Chattanooga encapsulates a comparable essence with its array of businesses and cultural attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium. Riverview's exclusive boutiques and upscale atmosphere echo the Gold Coast's luxury, while St. Elmo's historic charm offers a nod to Hyde Park's eclectic and diverse background. This comparison aims not just to highlight similarities but also to honor what makes each neighborhood unique, providing a bridge between your current and future communities.

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Things to Do in Chattanooga

  • Explore Tennessee Aquarium
  • Hike Lookout Mountain
  • Visit Ruby Falls
  • Ride the Incline Railway
  • Stroll through Bluff View Art District
  • Shop at Chattanooga Market

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Chattanooga

Moving from one city to another can be a challenging decision, packed with both excitement and apprehension. The purpose of the following charts is to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, we aim to offer valuable insights that can help guide your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • High cost of living
  • Cold winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less green space
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Lower cost of living
  • Milder winters
  • Less congestion
  • Lower crime rates
  • More outdoor activities
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Narrower job market
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer high-end dining options
  • Less historical depth
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Diverse culture
  • Broad job market
  • Extensive public transit
  • World-class dining
  • Rich in history

Moving to Chattanooga from Chicago, you'll notice a remarkable shift in your daily reality. The frigid Chicago winters give way to the milder climate of Chattanooga, where outdoor enthusiasts thrive, exploring places like the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. The heavy congestion of Chicago's streets becomes a memory with Chattanooga's ease of navigation, making trips to popular spots like the breathtaking Tennessee Aquarium and vibrant NorthShore district a breeze. And while Chicago's dining scene is hard to beat, Chattanooga offers its own unique flavors with restaurants like Aretha Frankensteins and Alleia, sure to delight any foodie. Lower cost of living and a close-knit community feel in Chattanooga contrast sharply with Chicago's bustling urban life, presenting an inviting opportunity for those seeking change.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Chattanooga highlights the distinct flavor profiles and dining scenes you’ll delve into. From iconic dishes to the vibrancy of the foodie culture, this guide is your compass to navigating the culinary landscapes of your new city.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Most iconic local food item
Deep Dish Pizza
Barbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dish
Italian Beef Sandwich
Smoked Pork
Most popular street food item
Chicago-style Hot Dog
Chattanooga Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Seitan Wings
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
  • Allen Family Barbecue
  • Hennen's
  • Aretha Frankenstein’s
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep dish pizza reigns supreme, with historic eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria leading the charge in showcasing the city's iconic culinary masterpiece. Meanwhile, Chattanooga’s barbecue scene, particularly the smoked pork served at venues like Allen Family Barbecue, offers a taste of Southern tradition that’s hard to beat. Chattanooga Dogs, a local take on street food, reflects the city’s love for reinvented classics. Furthermore, health-conscious eats are on the rise in both cities, with Chattanooga slightly leading in overall fitness and health conscientiousness. For vegans, Chattanooga's Aretha Frankenstein’s offers innovative plant-based dishes, proving that the South can do more than just traditional barbecue.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Restaurant Comparison

Food is integral to making somewhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN. By using Chicago to Chattanooga restaurant comparison as your culinary guide , you'll discover new local haunts that replicate the vibe and cuisine of your old Chicago favorites, ensuring the move feels as seamless as possible.

ChicagoChattanoogaWhat You'll Love
AlineaSt. John's RestaurantUpscale dining with innovative dishes.
Portillo's Hot DogsGood DogQuirky, casual spot for elevated hot dogs.
Girl & The GoatAlleiaRustic, inventive Italian cuisine, akin to Girl & The Goat's approach.
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaLupi's Pizza PiesAuthentic, family-friendly pizzeria with a local vibe.
The Purple PigPublic HouseOffers a variety of shared plates in a relaxed setting.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabBoathouse Rotisserie & Raw BarFresh seafood and prime meats with a view.
Smoque BBQCharlie’s BBQ & BakeryKnown for slow-cooked meats and homemade sides.
Rick Bayless' Frontera GrillTaconoogaOffers authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
The Berghoff RestaurantWalden ClubWhile not German, it offers an iconic dining experience with history.
Au ChevalTremont TavernRenowned for their gourmet burgers in a cozy tavern setting.

Chicago and Chattanooga offer diverse culinary landscapes, each with its unique charm. In Chattanooga, St. John's Restaurant mirrors the high-end feel of Alinea, albeit with its own Southern flair, making it perfect for those special dining occasions. If it's the casual, yet iconic vibe of Portillo's you're missing, Good Dog fills that void with an array of unique hot dog creations and a laid-back atmosphere. For pizza lovers lamenting their distance from Lou Malnati's, Lupi's Pizza Pies offers handmade pizzas that echo the quality and comfort found back in Chicago. Each Chattanooga establishment brings a taste of Chicago's culinary spirit, paired with local Tennessee charm, making the transition just a little easier for newcomers.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current city and future home is essential. Knowing how Chicago and Chattanooga stack up against each other in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability , and urban lifestyle can significantly inform your decision. Let's delve into these aspects to better understand your potential new surroundings.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Greystone
Bungalow and Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Location, Amenities
View, Privacy

When comparing housing aspects between Chicago and Chattanooga, it's clear that each city offers a unique living experience. Chicago's higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores reflect its dense, bustling cityscape which is complemented by modern architecture and a wealth of amenities - a big draw for those seeking a vibrant city life. On the other hand, Chattanooga prides itself on its scenic views and privacy, reflected in its prevalent bungalow and craftsman-style homes. The significant difference in median home prices and rent also indicates Chattanooga's more affordable living conditions. Choosing between the two cities might come down to what you value more: the hustle and dynamism of Chicago or the scenic, laid-back charm of Chattanooga.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chattanooga, TN

1. North Chattanooga : You’ll enjoy numerous parks and dog-friendly trails, making it an ideal spot for your furry friends to explore.

2. St. Elmo : With its welcoming community and access to pet-friendly events, you’ll find it easy to include your pets in local activities.

3. Southside : Known for its array of pet-friendly restaurants and cafes, you and your pets can enjoy the vibrant neighborhood together.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge how life in Chicago, IL differs from Chattanooga, TN in terms of climate. From average temperatures and humidity to natural disasters and air quality, knowing what to expect can make your transition smoother.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Blizzards, Cold Waves
Tornadoes, Floods
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83/63
89/68
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35/22
50/30


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
53
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

36
3


Moving from Chicago to Chattanooga brings a notable change in weather, particularly in terms of temperature and precipitation. Chattanooga enjoys milder winters and slightly warmer summers than Chicago, coupled with more days of sunshine, which might be a welcome change for those used to Chicago's often harsh winters. However, this comes with higher annual rainfall in Chattanooga, enhancing the greenery but also increasing humidity and mold, which might affect those with allergies. While both cities grapple with their share of natural disasters, Chattanooga's risk of tornadoes and floods contrasts with the cold-related events more common in Chicago, necessitating different preparedness measures.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Chattanooga

When relocating, it’s essential to grasp how financial aspects will shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the variations in financial factors between moving from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN, offering a clearer picture of what to expect economically in your new home.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Avg. Household Income
$66,576
$55,065
Cost of Living Index
116.9
91.1
State Income Tax
4.95
0 (No State Income Tax)
Avg. Property Tax
2.12
0.74
Avg. Sales Tax
10.25
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
Manufacturing, Health Care, Transportation
Affluence
Moderately Affluent
Moderate
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Significant
Moderately Low

While both cities offer unique economic landscapes, key differences emerge in cost-related factors. For example, Chicago's higher average household income is contextually balanced by a higher cost of living than Chattanooga. Notably, Chattanooga does not impose a state income tax, which could result in significant savings for you. Furthermore, the lower property taxes in Chattanooga may make home-ownership more attainable and financially beneficial in the long term. These economic conditions reflect the broader industrial and fiscal environment that shapes each city, with Chattanooga offering a potentially more affordable living situation without compromising on employment opportunities in thriving sectors.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Political & Religious Comparison

If you're planning a move, it's useful to understand the community you're joining. This comparison provides a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of the residents in Chicago, IL & Chattanooga, TN . Knowing these aspects can help you better integrate and find your niche in your new home.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Moderately conservative/Republican
Local Politics
Democratic stronghold, diverse representation
Republican, with growing progressive representation
Religion
Diverse: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, among others
Primarily Christian, with a mix of denominations

When moving from Chicago to Chattanooga, you'll transition from a city known for its Democratic leanings to one that traditionally aligns more conservatively, although recent years have seen a progressive increase in representation within local politics in Chattanooga. Chicago's religious landscape is broad, reflecting its multicultural population, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and various Christian denominations present. In contrast, Chattanooga has a stronger evangelical Christian presence, though like Chicago, it is home to a variety of faiths. This contrast in political and religious atmospheres can offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities for community involvement and understanding.

Chicago vs. Chattanooga Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to understanding local transportation dynamics. This guide aims to ease the transition by providing a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Chattanooga, helping to better understand what your daily commute and traffic might be like in your new home.

Chicago
Chattanooga
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
25
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
8 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes
No

Living in Chicago, you might be accustomed to robust public transportation options, such as the extensive CTA system, that make it feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. The average commute time reflects the city's dense traffic patterns, yet the convenience of public transit somewhat alleviates this. On the other hand, moving to Chattanooga introduces a different dynamic. With less traffic congestion and a shorter average commute time, the city presents a smoother driving experience. However, the public transit system is not as developed as Chicago's, making car ownership almost a necessity for getting around efficiently. This comparison sheds light on essential considerations for your daily commute and overall lifestyle adjustment in your new city.

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