Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Arlington is 145% more expensive than Clarksville.

$2,275/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 47%
$140,160/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 52%
$864,800 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 73%
$2,414/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 48%
235,463
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $73,374/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Arlington or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Clarksville?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Clarksville?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $73,374/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Clarksville

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster