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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Fresno is 22% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,324/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 8%
$66,804/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,786/yr ≈ Same
$348,500 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 32%
$1,391/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 10%
543,615
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $18/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Fresno or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Clarksville?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Clarksville?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $18/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Clarksville details →

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