Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Norfolk is 7% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,246/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 2%
$64,017/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 4%
$271,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 13%
$1,366/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 8%
235,037
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,769/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Clarksville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Clarksville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $2,769/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

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