| Index | Clarksville | Tennessee | National |
| Cost of living | 96 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 94 | 80 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 92 | 97 | 100 |

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.
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? 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.
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.
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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Tennessee | 7% | 9.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Tennessee | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Walnut Grove CDP (Hardin County), TN | 261 | 97 | 2.8% |
| Guthrie, KY | 1,350 | 86 | 13.7% |
| Oak Grove, KY | 7,524 | 90 | 10.2% |
| Trenton, KY | 410 | 93 | 7.4% |
| Walnut Grove, TN | 966 | 100 | 0.2% |
| Clarksville, TN | 160,664 | 96 | 3.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Abbotsford, BC | 160,174 | n/a | |
| Lancaster, CA | 161,201 | 126 | 25.7% |
| Coquitlam, BC | 159,980 | n/a | |
| Salinas, CA | 161,640 | 149 | 49.0% |
| Barrie, ON | 159,618 | n/a | |
| Clarksville, TN | 160,664 | 96 | 3.7% |