A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Clarksville Tennessee National
Cost of living9692100
Groceries9798100
Health care9797100
Housing9480100
Transportation9997100
Utilities9998100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10197100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9297100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clarksville, TN

Understanding the cost of living in Clarksville can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Clarksville cost of living index is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Clarksville, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Clarksville will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Clarksville?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 28 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Clarksville. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 32% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 68% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Clarksville Affordable?

Is Clarksville affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Clarksville, for instance, where the median home price falls 8.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 0.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Clarksville flaunting a median household income of $84,368, 3.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clarksville?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Clarksville, the transportation index stands at 1.2% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Clarksville, the utilities index registers at 1.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Clarksville shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clarksville is 4% higher than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Clarksville is 4% lower than the national average
  • Clarksville housing is 6% lower than the national average
  • Tennessee general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Clarksville

See all the best places to live around Clarksville

Compare Clarksville, TN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,542$8,962$2,509$3,227
      Renters$62,763$5,230$1,464$1,883
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Clarksville, TN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Clarksville have a median income of $107,542. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,509 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $62,763, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,464.

      Tennessee Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Tennessee 7% 9.75%

      Tennessee Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Tennessee 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Walnut Grove CDP (Hardin County), TN261972.8%
      Guthrie, KY1,3508613.7%
      Oak Grove, KY7,5249010.2%
      Trenton, KY410937.4%
      Walnut Grove, TN9661000.2%
      Clarksville, TN160,664963.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Abbotsford, BC160,174n/a 
      Lancaster, CA161,20112625.7%
      Coquitlam, BC159,980n/a 
      Salinas, CA161,64014949.0%
      Barrie, ON159,618n/a 
      Clarksville, TN160,664963.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.