Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Tempe is 45% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,623/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 25%
$77,643/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 14%
$421,900 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 44%
$1,554/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 19%
186,419
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $10,857/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Tempe or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Clarksville?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Clarksville?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $10,857/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Clarksville

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster