Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Huntsville is 6% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,078/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 13%
$70,778/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 6%
$263,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 10%
$1,046/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 20%
218,814
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $3,992/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Huntsville or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Clarksville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Clarksville?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $3,992/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Clarksville

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster