Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Indianapolis is 11% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,112/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 9%
$62,995/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 6%
$207,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 14%
$1,124/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 12%
882,043
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $3,791/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Clarksville?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Clarksville?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $3,791/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Tennessee?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Clarksville

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster