Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Worcester is 25% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,415/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 14%
$67,544/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 1%
$339,500 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 30%
$1,521/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 18%
205,501
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $758/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Worcester or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Clarksville?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Clarksville?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $758/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Clarksville

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster