Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Clarksville is 5% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,215/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 4%
$66,786/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 17%
$236,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 10%
$1,254/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
171,897
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $11,643/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Clarksville or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,643/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Sterling Heights

Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara