Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Cary is 63% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,621/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 25%
$129,399/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 48%
$525,200 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 55%
$1,744/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 28%
176,686
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $62,613/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Cary or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Clarksville?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Clarksville?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $62,613/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Clarksville details →

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