Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Clarksville is 52% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,215/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 67%
$66,786/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 70%
$236,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 195%
$1,254/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 73%
171,897
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $46,852/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Clarksville or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Alexandria?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Alexandria?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $46,852/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Alexandria

Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen