Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Hollywood, FL
The drive from Chattanooga, TN to Hollywood, FL runs 763 mi β about 13h 59m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
763 mi Β· 13h 59m by car Β· TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton, Gainesville, Orlando |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 24.8% higher overall in Hollywood vs Chattanooga on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Hollywood: 24.8% above Chattanooga on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 65.0" |
Climate warms by 14.2Β°F on the annual average β 61.9Β°F β 76.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.53 |
Income steps up 24.8%: $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $65,359 in Hollywood.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Hollywood, FL from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 763 mi and the route typically takes 13h 59m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 24.8% higher than Chattanooga (114.155 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 37.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 763 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Hollywood compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 7.1% 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 Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Hollywood, FL.