Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Mobile is 20% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,029/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 18%
$51,090/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 31%
$170,300 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 39%
$1,016/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 23%
185,097
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $15,696/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Mobile or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Clarksville?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Clarksville?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $15,696/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Clarksville

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster