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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Durham is 27% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 14%
$79,234/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 16%
$355,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 34%
$1,434/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 13%
288,465
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $12,448/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Durham or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Clarksville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Clarksville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $12,448/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Clarksville details →

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