Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Tacoma is 52% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,597/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 24%
$83,857/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 20%
$454,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 48%
$1,747/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 28%
220,482
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $17,071/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Tacoma or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Clarksville?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Clarksville?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $17,071/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Tennessee?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Clarksville details →

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