Moving from Atlanta, GA to Clarksville, TN
It is a 293 mi drive, roughly 5h 40m, between Atlanta, GA and Clarksville, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
293 mi Β· 5h 40m by car Β· GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 75, SR 237 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Clarksville at 90.947 vs Atlanta at 100.058.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 9.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 53.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Atlanta (62.3Β°F) and Clarksville (59.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Clarksville gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 34 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.65 |
Households in Clarksville earn about 9.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Clarksville, TN from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 293 mi and the route typically takes 5h 40m via I 24 and I 75. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 17.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 18.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 293 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 9.1% lower than Atlanta (90.947 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Clarksville, TN.