CostOfCity

Clarksville vs Evansville: Full Cost Comparison

Side-by-side cost comparison across 38 categories. Updated March 2026.

TN
Clarksville
88
Cost Index
Pop: 167KIncome: $53K
VS
6% diff
IN
Evansville
82
Cost Index
Pop: 117KIncome: $40K
More Affordable
Evansville
Clarksville Wins
12/38
Evansville Wins
26/38
Topics
38

Every year, thousands of Americans weigh Clarksville against Evansville. Here's what they should know: Evansville is 6% cheaper overall, but Clarksville has its own cost advantages in specific categories. We've broken down the comparison across all 38 cost categories we track โ€” with a verdict for different types of movers at the bottom.

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Key Cost Comparisons

Roof ReplacementEvansville saves $1,922
Clarksville
$8,509
Evansville
$6,587
Start a RestaurantEvansville saves $1,504
Clarksville
$277,732
Evansville
$276,228
Cost of LivingEvansville saves $1,105
Clarksville
$3,849
Evansville
$2,744
Rent PricesEvansville saves $858
Clarksville
$2,086
Evansville
$1,228
Car InsuranceEvansville saves $133
Clarksville
$1,705
Evansville
$1,572
Software Developer Salary (higher = better)Clarksville pays $10,687 more
Clarksville
$82,330
Evansville
$71,643

Cost of Living

Clarksville: 2Evansville: 3
CategoryClarksvilleEvansvilleDiffWinner
Cost of Living$3,849$2,74429%Evansville (lower cost)
Rent Prices$2,086$1,22841%Evansville (lower cost)
Grocery Costs$408$45310%Clarksville (lower cost)
Utility Costs$197$17710%Evansville (lower cost)
Transportation Costs$329$39717%Clarksville (lower cost)

Home Services

Clarksville: 4Evansville: 6
CategoryClarksvilleEvansvilleDiffWinner
Roof Replacement$8,509$6,58723%Evansville (lower cost)
HVAC Installation$5,165$4,8227%Evansville (lower cost)
Plumbing Services$278$30810%Clarksville (lower cost)
Electrical Work$235$33830%Clarksville (lower cost)
Kitchen Remodel$28,580$16,60842%Evansville (lower cost)
Bathroom Remodel$12,523$8,98228%Evansville (lower cost)
House Painting$3,822$3,5737%Evansville (lower cost)
Flooring Installation$1,909$1,8742%Evansville (lower cost)
Landscaping$2,773$3,13412%Clarksville (lower cost)
Fence Installation$2,009$3,39641%Clarksville (lower cost)

Business Startup Costs

Clarksville: 1Evansville: 9
CategoryClarksvilleEvansvilleDiffWinner
Start a Restaurant$277,732$276,2281%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Coffee Shop$147,098$119,52019%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Food Truck$126,707$122,8883%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Gym$263,258$176,81133%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Daycare$52,998$46,04413%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Hair Salon$226,177$233,4693%Clarksville (lower cost)
Start a Laundromat$317,625$286,73810%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Bakery$97,824$90,6267%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Bar$532,128$378,07329%Evansville (lower cost)
Start a Cleaning Business$14,680$13,6377%Evansville (lower cost)

Insurance

Clarksville: 0Evansville: 4
CategoryClarksvilleEvansvilleDiffWinner
Car Insurance$1,705$1,5728%Evansville (lower cost)
Home Insurance$2,183$1,93611%Evansville (lower cost)
Health Insurance$651$45231%Evansville (lower cost)
Business Insurance$1,571$1,39711%Evansville (lower cost)

Salaries & Jobs

Clarksville: 4Evansville: 1
CategoryClarksvilleEvansvilleDiffWinner
Software Developer Salary$82,330/yr$71,643/yr13%Clarksville (higher pay)
Registered Nurse Salary$78,908/yr$70,061/yr11%Clarksville (higher pay)
Teacher Salary$44,691/yr$51,904/yr14%Evansville (higher pay)
Electrician Salary$55,138/yr$54,691/yr1%Clarksville (higher pay)
Plumber Salary$47,652/yr$46,143/yr3%Clarksville (higher pay)

Who Benefits From Each City?

The "better" city depends on your situation. Here's how different profiles stack up:

๐Ÿ’ป

Remote Worker

โ†’ Evansville

If your salary doesn't depend on location, Evansville's 6% lower costs translate directly into more savings or disposable income. Your paycheck goes further without a pay cut.

๐Ÿš€

Young Professional

โ†’ Evansville

Both cities are moderately priced, but Evansville's lower costs help you build savings earlier in your career when compound growth matters most.

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Family with Kids

โ†’ Evansville

Families face multiplied costs โ€” housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation all scale with household size. Evansville's 6% advantage compounds across every budget category.

๐Ÿช

Small Business Owner

โ†’ Evansville

Lower operating costs in Evansville mean lower break-even points. Rent, utilities, insurance, and labor all come in cheaper, giving new businesses more runway to reach profitability.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Retiree

โ†’ Evansville

On a fixed income, every percentage point matters. Evansville's lower healthcare, housing, and everyday costs help retirement savings last longer.

The Verdict

Evansville is 6% more affordable overall

Evansville wins 26 out of 38 cost categories.Clarksville has higher costs but wins 12 categories.

Clarksville
88
Evansville
82

Explore Each City

Clarksville, TN
Pop: 167K | Index: 88
View all costs โ†’
Evansville, IN
Pop: 117K | Index: 82
View all costs โ†’

Explore Specific Costs

Dive deeper into specific cost topics for each city:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living index for Clarksville vs Evansville?

Clarksville's cost of living index is 88; Evansville's is 82. A score of 100 represents the national average. Clarksville is below average; Evansville is below average. These figures are derived from BLS and Census data.

Which city has better job opportunities?

Job market strength depends on your industry. Both cities have similar cost profiles, suggesting comparable job markets. Compare specific salary categories above for your field. Median incomes are $53K (Clarksville) vs $40K (Evansville).

Which city is better for remote workers?

For remote workers earning a location-independent salary, Evansville is the clear winner. The 6% cost advantage means more of your paycheck goes to savings or discretionary spending. Clarksville makes more sense if your employer adjusts pay upward for that market.

Should I move from Clarksville to Evansville?

If your income stays the same or comparable, moving from Clarksville to Evansville gives you 6% more purchasing power. That said, the decision depends on career opportunities, family ties, lifestyle preferences, and which specific costs matter most to your household. Review the category breakdown above to see which line items shift the most.

About This Comparison

Data SourcesBLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, Census Bureau ACS, HUD Fair Market Rent data, BLS OEWS (salary data), and regional industry surveys.
MethodologyEach city's costs are derived from national averages adjusted by city-specific cost-of-living indices. Category-specific sensitivity factors account for varying price elasticity across topic areas.
ConfidenceMEDIUMModel-derived estimates, not direct price surveys

Limitations: This comparison uses modeled data based on cost-of-living indices. Actual costs may vary based on neighborhood, timing, provider, and individual circumstances. Salary data reflects median full-time employment; contract and freelance rates differ. Last updated: March 2026.

โ† All ComparisonsClarksville costs โ†’Evansville costs โ†’