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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Louisville is 11% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,069/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 14%
$64,731/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 3%
$221,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 7%
$1,118/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 12%
627,210
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $2,055/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 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

Louisville vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Louisville or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Clarksville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Clarksville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $2,055/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Louisville or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Clarksville details →

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