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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Detroit is 36% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,034/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 18%
$39,575/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 69%
$76,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 207%
$868/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 44%
636,644
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $27,211/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Detroit or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Clarksville?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Clarksville?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $27,211/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Tennessee?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Clarksville

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster