Moving from Garland, TX to Chattanooga, TN
The drive from Garland, TX to Chattanooga, TN runs 782 mi β about 14h 1m 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.
782 mi Β· 14h 1m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Irving, Frisco, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 91.464, putting Chattanooga roughly 11.3% below Garland on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Chattanooga at $319,579 is 11.3% above Garland at $286,805.
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 55.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Chattanooga gets around 3.6 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 11.3%: $74,717 in Garland vs $61,028 in Chattanooga.
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 Texas 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.
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
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 11.3% lower than Garland (91.464 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Garland to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 782 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 Garland vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $74,717 in Garland β a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 782 mi and the route typically takes 14h 1m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $286,805 in Garland β a 11.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Chattanooga, TN.