Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Mesa is 29% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,478/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 18%
$78,779/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 15%
$364,300 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 35%
$1,404/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $11,993/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Mesa or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Clarksville?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Clarksville?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $11,993/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Clarksville

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster