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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Charlotte is 30% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,504/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 19%
$78,438/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 15%
$351,500 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 33%
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 16%
886,283
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $11,652/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 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

Charlotte vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Charlotte or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Clarksville?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Clarksville?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $11,652/year higher in Charlotte.
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 Charlotte or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charlotte and Clarksville

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