Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Modesto is 45% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,609/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 24%
$77,899/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 14%
$415,600 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 43%
$1,613/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 22%
218,614
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $11,113/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Modesto or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Clarksville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Clarksville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $11,113/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Clarksville

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster