Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Chattanooga and Clarksville have a similar cost of living.

$1,155/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 5%
$61,028/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 9%
$259,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 9%
$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 13%
182,832
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $5,758/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Clarksville?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Clarksville?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $5,758/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/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 Chattanooga details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Clarksville

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster