Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Portland is 66% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 24%
$88,792/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 25%
$557,600 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 58%
$1,771/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 29%
642,715
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $22,006/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Portland or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Clarksville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Clarksville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $22,006/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Tennessee?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Clarksville

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