Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Philadelphia and Clarksville have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 8%
$60,698/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 10%
$232,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 2%
$1,233/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 2%
1,582,432
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $6,088/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Clarksville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Clarksville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $6,088/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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