Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Clarksville is 14% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,215/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 17%
$66,786/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 27%
$236,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$236,600 ≈ Same
$1,254/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 17%
171,897
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $18,250/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Clarksville or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,250/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Alabama?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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