Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Lexington and Clarksville have a similar cost of living.

$1,101/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 10%
$67,631/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 1%
$272,100 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 13%
$1,160/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 8%
321,122
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $845/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Lexington or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Clarksville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Clarksville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $845/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Tennessee?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Clarksville details →

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