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

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Clarksville is 4% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,215/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 5%
$66,786/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 17%
$236,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 3%
$1,254/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 7%
171,897
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $11,133/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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 Columbia — common questions

Is Clarksville or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Columbia?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Columbia?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $11,133/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Columbia

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