Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Milwaukee is 19% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 18%
$51,888/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 29%
$172,000 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 37%
$1,082/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 16%
569,756
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $14,898/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Clarksville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Clarksville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $14,898/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Tennessee?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Clarksville details →

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