Clarksdale, MS vs Madison, MS

The cost of living difference between Clarksdale, MS and Madison, MS is dramatic. Clarksdale is 45.7% cheaper than Madison, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clarksdale has a cost index of 62 while Madison sits at 113, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Clarksdale is $762/month compared to $1,798/month in Madison — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clarksdale is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $334,700.

Median household income in Clarksdale is $35,210 compared to $120,918 in Madison (-70.9%). While Madison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarksdale spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 17.8% in Madison.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64°F vs 66°F). Madison receives more rainfall at 51.3" per year compared to 49" in Clarksdale.