Cost of Living: Clarksville, TN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Clarksville is 17% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,215/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 8%
$66,786/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 4%
$236,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 48%
$1,254/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 9%
171,897
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $2,886/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Clarksville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,886/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Clarksville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Clarksville details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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