Moving from Tyler, TX to Chattanooga, TN
It is 702 mi between Tyler and Chattanooga β roughly 12h 52m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 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.
702 mi Β· 12h 52m by car Β· TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson, Shreveport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.156 vs 91.464 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $251,563 to $319,579 moving to Chattanooga.
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 55.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Tyler (66.5Β°F) and Chattanooga (61.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.35 |
Households in Chattanooga earn about 0.8% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 6.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 27.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 702 mi and the route typically takes 12h 52m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 702 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 0.8% lower than Tyler (91.464 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Chattanooga, TN.