Moving from Huntsville, AL to Chattanooga, TN
The 112 mi from Huntsville to Chattanooga translate to about 2h 16m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
112 mi · 2h 16m by car · AL → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 565, US 72 ALTERNATE, I 24 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chattanooga and Huntsville is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chattanooga is 1.7% above Huntsville ($319,579 vs $287,569 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 55.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Huntsville (62.9°F) and Chattanooga (61.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 1.7%: $70,778 in Huntsville 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 Alabama 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 91°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 — 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 Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 1.7% lower than Huntsville (91.464 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 112 mi and the route typically takes 2h 16m via I 565 and US 72 ALTERNATE. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Huntsville and Chattanooga?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Chattanooga vs 62.9°F in Huntsville (1.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 2.4 in. Annual precipitation: 55.0 in vs 54.3 in.
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 13.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 11.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 112 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Chattanooga, TN.