Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Raleigh is 33% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,468/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 17%
$82,424/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 19%
$377,800 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 38%
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 16%
470,763
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $15,638/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Raleigh or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Clarksville?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Clarksville?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $15,638/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Raleigh or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Clarksville details →

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