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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Richmond is 18% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,314/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 8%
$62,671/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 7%
$328,100 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 28%
$1,374/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 9%
227,595
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $4,115/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 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

Richmond vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Richmond or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Clarksville?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Clarksville?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $4,115/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 Richmond or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Clarksville

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster