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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Salem is 27% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 8%
$71,900/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 7%
$382,400 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 38%
$1,440/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 13%
176,666
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $5,114/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 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

Salem vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Salem or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Clarksville?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Clarksville?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $5,114/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 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.
View Salem details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Clarksville

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Eugene Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Lancaster Clarksville vs. Cary