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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Montgomery is 23% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,059/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 15%
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 20%
$148,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 59%
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 23%
198,440
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $11,099/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 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

Montgomery vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Montgomery or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Clarksville?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Clarksville?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $11,099/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 Montgomery or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

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