Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Clarksville is 66% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,215/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 29%
$66,786/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 35%
$236,100 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 61%
$1,254/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 34%
171,897
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $23,332/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Clarksville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Dayton?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Dayton?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $23,332/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Dayton

Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville