City Comparison · 2026
Clarksville vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Clarksville = $145k in Chicago
Metric
Clarksville
Chicago
COL Index
✓0.95
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,150/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,440/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
TN
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$78,736
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓21.26%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$64,936
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Clarksville TN | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarksville or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Clarksville has a cost-of-living index of 0.95 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Clarksville is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Clarksville is $1,150/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Clarksville?
$100k in Clarksville = $145k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 45.3%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Clarksville or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $78,736 in TN (Clarksville) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $64,936 in Clarksville vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideClarksville vs New York City cost of livingClarksville vs Los Angeles cost of livingClarksville vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in ClarksvilleCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in ClarksvilleRegistered Nurse salary in ClarksvilleWhere does $100k rank nationally?