Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Boston is 112% more expensive than Clarksville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 42%
$94,755/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 30%
$710,400 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 67%
$2,176/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 42%
663,972
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $27,969/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Boston or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Clarksville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Clarksville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $27,969/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

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