Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Memphis is 18% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,123/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 8%
$51,211/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 30%
$157,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 50%
$1,087/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 15%
629,063
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $15,575/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Memphis or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Clarksville?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Clarksville?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $15,575/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Clarksville details →

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