Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Chicago is 20% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 11%
$315,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 25%
$1,502/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $8,348/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Chicago or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Clarksville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Clarksville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $8,348/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Clarksville

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