Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Elk Grove is 85% more expensive than Clarksville.

$2,180/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 44%
$122,229/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 45%
$603,400 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 61%
$2,227/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 44%
177,221
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $55,443/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Clarksville?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Clarksville?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $55,443/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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.
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