Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Lubbock, TX
It is 1096 mi between Chattanooga and Lubbock β roughly 19h 57m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1096 mi Β· 19h 57m by car Β· TX β AR β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 82, I 40, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Little Rock, Memphis, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 19.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.48 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Lubbock average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Lubbock more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 0.2% lower than Chattanooga (91.317 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 34.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1096 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lubbock, TX from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 1096 mi and the route typically takes 19h 57m via US 82 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 0.9% 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 Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Lubbock, TX.