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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Columbus and Clarksville have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ≈ Same
$65,327/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 2%
$234,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$236,100 ≈ Same
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ≈ Same
906,480
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,459/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Columbus or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Clarksville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Clarksville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $1,459/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Clarksville

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster