Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Clarksville, TN
Relocating 765 mi from Chesapeake to Clarksville is a 14h 22m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
765 mi Β· 14h 22m by car Β· VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Clarksville at 90.947 vs Chesapeake at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $420,756 to $318,206 moving to Clarksville.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 53.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Chesapeake (63.0Β°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: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.65 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.1% β $94,189 β $66,786 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 765 mi and the route typically takes 14h 22m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 765 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 Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 29.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 24.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 7.1% lower than Chesapeake (90.947 vs 97.941, 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 Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Clarksville, TN.