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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Fayetteville is 12% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,179/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 3%
$56,395/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 18%
$171,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 37%
$1,156/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 8%
209,692
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,391/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 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

Fayetteville vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Clarksville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Clarksville?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $10,391/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Fayetteville or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and Clarksville

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster