Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Clarksville is 35% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,215/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 34%
$66,786/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 35%
$236,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 99%
$1,254/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 35%
171,897
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $23,252/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Clarksville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Charleston?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Charleston?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,252/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Charleston details →

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