Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Clarksville is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,215/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 97%
$66,786/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 65%
$236,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 347%
$1,254/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 96%
171,897
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,180/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $14,160/year.

Median household income is $43,287/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Clarksville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,180/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $43,287/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Costa Mesa

Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria