Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee

Garden Grove

California

176

Clarksville is 93% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,215/mo ↓ 38%

Median Rent

$1,971/mo ↑ 62%

$66,786/yr ↓ 26%

Median Income

$90,166/yr ↑ 35%

$236,100 ↓ 69%

Home Value

$765,500 ↑ 224%

$1,254/mo ↓ 38%

Owner Costs

$2,016/mo ↑ 61%

171,897

Population

170,603

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

13.3%

7.0%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.64%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

21.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $23,380/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Clarksville or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Garden Grove?

Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $756/month.

Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Garden Grove?

Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $23,380/year higher in Garden Grove.

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 Garden Grove?

It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.